The fact that Great Council of Chiefs chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula has called on chiefs and traditional leaders to be engaged in the war against drugs is significant.
It raises the profile of this national campaign and, hopefully, adds a strong new dimension to our response as a nation.
He is urging traditional leaders to keep a close watch on their coastlines. This comes in the wake of reports that more than 60 bricks of cocaine washed ashore on the islands of Ogea, Moce and Komo in Lau.
That is a major concern. His comments also follow concerns raised by the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Mara.
The Tui Nayau warned that Fiji risks nurturing a dangerous new generation of drug dealers unless immediate and adequately funded action is taken to address the growing maritime narcotics threat.
He called for an urgent meeting of the National Security Council and criticised what he viewed as an overreliance on discussions and meetings, arguing instead for the direct involvement and empowerment of coastal communities to protect their own shores.
Meanwhile, Ratu Viliame revealed that the Bai ni Vualiku reef is now being exploited for the movement of illicit drugs.
He cautioned that the threat is real, even if the drug situation in Vanua Levu may not appear as severe as it is in Viti Levu. Communities, he said, can no longer afford to believe they are immune to the drug menace.
Speaking at the opening of the Macuata Provincial Council meeting in Naduri yesterday, he stressed the importance of strengthening traditional values and family bonds as a defence against the growing influence of drugs.
He noted that efforts were underway to reinforce the principles that have held communities together for generations and acknowledged that while the fight against drugs would not produce overnight results, it must remain a priority.
He also encouraged parents to spend more time with their children, emphasising that guidance, support and awareness within the home are important in preventing substance abuse.
No community can assume it is beyond the reach of the drug trade.
The discovery of 35 parcels of suspected illicit drugs floating near Munia Island in the northern Lau Group last Friday only adds to growing public concern.
Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro confirmed the packages were found drifting offshore at 3pm. We face a massive challenge. However, it is encouraging to see the response gaining momentum. Government agencies, traditional leaders, community groups and concerned citizens are all beginning to recognise the scale of the threat.
We say this is no time for complacency. Drugs will not just disappear if we ignore them. The traffickers behind this trade are persistent, organised and opportunistic.
That is why we all have a role to play. Chiefs, church leaders, parents, teachers, youth groups and villagers must stand together on the frontline.
We have always said this, the war against drugs cannot be won by law enforcement alone. We must be vigilant. There must unity and commitment!
