That was a strong warning from the military’s Black Rock Camp Commander, Manoa Gadai, to drug dealers in the Western Division at the weekend.
Stop now!
No holds barred! No beating around the bush! A direct message!
Brigadier-General Gadai’s warning comes in the wake of the launch of the Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force operation in the region.
Speaking at a rugby tournament in Nadi, he made it clear that those involved in the drug trade would face the full force of the law.
He identified the Nadi area as a major gateway for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs.
He also appealed to the vanua o Nadi to stand with the authorities in dismantling criminal networks operating in and around the town.
The Black Rock commander recently led high-level discussions with the Fiji Police Force in Nadi during the official launch of the Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force operation in the West.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu reaffirmed the Republic of Fiji Military Forces would provide support in the campaign.
Under an agreement with the Commander of the RFMF, the military will back intelligence-led operations targeting those involved in the illicit drug trade and related criminal activities.
The Police Force, he said, will remain in command of the operations, determining the appropriate response based on information gathered.
The objective is disrupt, dismantle and destroy criminal networks profiting from this destructive trade.
It is encouraging to see such a coordinated effort in the war against illicit drugs.
For too long, drug abuse has eaten away at the very fabric of our society, destroying lives, breaking families and undermining the future of our young people.
We have always maintained that this fight cannot be won by security forces alone.
It needs the support of the masses.
That means awareness at every level of society. It means communities willing to speak out, share information and protect their neighbourhoods.
This strategy must cut across all divides and unite us in facing one of the greatest challenges of our nation.
In saying that, we must not lose sight of the broader response needed.
The war on drugs is not only about arrests and seizures.
It is also about treatment, recovery and second chances.
That is why we are focused on the urgent establishment of rehabilitation centres across the country.
These facilities must work hand in hand with the efforts of police and the military.
In the end, the key word is ‘engagement’.
Government agencies, security forces, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, families and communities must all play their part.
If we are serious about defeating the drug challenge, then there can be no safe haven for dealers and no room for complacency.
