Every second person knows someone who is taking or selling drugs but is not reporting it.
This was the sobering statement made by Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, during the International Day Against Illicit Drugs and Substance Abuse (IDADAIT) celebration held in Navua.
Mr Nalumisa said fear of retaliation or bullying, not just towards individuals but their families, was one of the major reasons why people stay silent, even as drug abuse continues to damage communities across Fiji.
“We must rise above this fear and make use of our law enforcement,” Mr Nalumisa said.
“They are here to protect you and your loved ones.”
He described illicit drugs as a “silent destroyer” that is stealing lives, breaking families, ruining futures, and undermining the social and economic fabric of the nation.
“Illicit drugs are not just a law enforcement issue. They are a human issue. A family issue.
“A national issue. And most importantly, a shared responsibility.”
He noted that 70 percent of admissions at St Giles Hospital are substance abuse-related, describing this as a “sad” and urgent sign of the severity of the problem.
Mr Nalumisa also highlighted the Government’s Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023–2028 which outlines several key areas of action: reducing demand and supply, minimizing harm, legislative reform, data collection and sharing, and the establishment of a drug addiction treatment centre.
“We need to educate our young people on the dangers of drug abuse not just by telling them to say no, but by showing them why they must say no.
“Let’s create environments where youth feel safe, heard, supported, and inspired. And all this starts at home.”
Mr Nalumisa also outlined community-based initiatives currently underway, including the installation of solar lights in four villages in Serua and Namosi to deter drug activity by improving safety in dark areas.
Efforts are already underway by his Ministry at the provincial level, Mr Nalunisa praised the Namosi Drug-Free 2024–2026 initiative launched during last year’s Namosi Day celebrations.
He said traditional leaders were stepping up, including the Turaga na Vunivalu na Tui Namosi, who had declared his intention to make the province a “drug-free province” within three years.
The event was proceeded by a march with school students from the Navua Bridge through Navua town.
