This fight against illicit drugs is taking off it seems.
That’s encouraging when we reflect on the fact that it wasn’t highlighted as much over the years.
We may get upset over the glaring absence of a concerted effort or campaign against drugs over the past decade, so it is good to see action now been taken.
Now we hear about the integrity of the newly inducted Fiji Counter Narcotics Bureau officers been questioned amid concerns of corruption within the Fiji Police Force.
That is a concern, but it is also encouraging to know that emphasis is being placed on addressing this major concern.
Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua said the officers were already keeping themselves “honest and clean” as the policy of zero tolerance covers them all when it comes to policing.
He reflected on cases of police officers caught dealing in drugs.
The whole culture reset of the police, he said, is what needs to kick in now.
“Also, I’ve received questions about the Narcotics Bureau too. How do you keep them honest? How do we make sure they don’t go and sell the marijuana like some of the police the last time? That is something that we have to do also.
“Not have to, but they are already keeping them honest and clean. The policy of zero tolerance. Once you’re caught, you should be taken to task immediately. That’s what they did to that police guy.
They removed him, charged him and now he’s awaiting trial.”
Let’s face it, the fight against drugs is not just about stopping the flow of illicit substances. It’s also about rebuilding trust in the institutions tasked with that responsibility.”
So we have to accept that ensuring law enforcement officers remain beyond reproach is key to maintaining public confidence in the fight against drugs.
So when all is said and done, it’s reassuring to know this is being taken seriously, and that the authorities are committed to holding those who fail to uphold the law accountable.
Moving forward, we must continue to support these efforts and remain vigilant.
The battle against drugs requires more than just enforcement; it requires a cultural shift, both within law enforcement and across society.
With a zero-tolerance policy in place and a focus on maintaining the integrity of officers, there is hope for us all.
There are obviously many challenges, and the road ahead may not be easy to get through, however, there is hope of better days when there is commitment to make a change!
