Government has reaffirmed its support for Joint Police–Military Operations, saying the fight against illicit drugs requires a coordinated national response and rejecting calls for the operations to be terminated.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Policing, the Government said the scale and sophistication of drug trafficking and cultivation in Fiji demand an “all-of-nation response” involving law enforcement agencies, government ministries, communities, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, the vanua and the private sector.
The statement comes amid public debate over the role of the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in joint operations following recent allegations involving members of the disciplined services.
Despite those concerns, the Government said the operations have produced significant results in disrupting drug networks across the country.
According to the Ministry, more than 74,000 marijuana plants have been uprooted in the Northern Division alone, with cultivators arrested and produced in court.
Authorities also reported continued seizures of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Central, Western and Eastern Divisions.
“The joint operations have delivered significant results,” the statement said.
“These operations are making a real difference in disrupting illicit drug networks.”
However, the Government stressed that operational success cannot come at the expense of human rights and accountability.
“Operational success can never excuse human rights violations,” the statement said.
The Ministry maintained that joint operations must continue to be carried out lawfully, professionally and with full accountability.
The statement follows growing scrutiny over law enforcement conduct and comes as investigations continue into recent deaths involving members of the security forces.
While defending the continuation of joint operations, the Government reiterated that upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights remain central to Fiji’s policing and national security efforts.
