THE revelation this week that massive amounts of drugs and drug-related equipment were confiscated by police during raids around the country is a major concern.
It has to be!
Given the amount of drugs seized, and eventually stored by police, there has to be concern over the glaring fact that we have a major issue on our hands.
This obviously is something big that the law enforcement agencies will need support to address.
The advent of the digital age has meant that many things can no longer be taken for granted.
Let’s face it.
Drug pushers, farmers and dealers have technology on their side as well, much like the police officers.
Mobile phones mean easier and faster communication.
It means being able to conceal things and being able to be a step ahead of the law.
Faster vehicles mean flexibility and accessibility for delivery and the internet has made “reach” a thing of the past.
There is accessibility, quicker response times and the ability to be proactive.
Readily available and competitive data bundles mean communication lines can stay open longer.
In every positive gain we have, there are bound to be people who will ruthlessly exploit loopholes.
Now more than ever, our police force needs our support.
It needs to talk about the reality on the ground and stir up emotional responses from the masses.
It can get numbers on its side.
That, on its own, will carry weight, enough to be a threat to the movers and shakers behind the illicit trade in our country.
Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho has made a commitment.
We can assist him achieve set targets.
The police will be appealing to concerned people to show support, and stand up against people who will shrug aside the wellbeing of Fijians for financial gain.
The drug trade is lucrative.
So much so that there are people prepared to flirt with the law.
The numbers are staggering and frightening.
The revelation that in the past week alone, $31 million worth of cocaine was seized from a house in Caubati and a nightclub in Nadi was also raided, resulting in the discovery of an alleged laboratory used to produce illicit drugs is cause for concern.
We acknowledge the work of the police and other stakeholders.
We can only hope the massive amounts of drugs now in the hands of police are not truly reflective of what appears to be an overwhelming scenario.
Questions will definitely be raised about related issues though and how much of these hard drugs are actually being sold on our streets, or transiting through our country?
Figures being floated around point at an industry worth millions of dollars, easily making this a very lucrative proposition!
Overcoming this challenge requires a concerted effort from every stakeholder, from the State, to the average man and woman on the street.
