The Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Fiji Police Force have officially launched a joint counter narcotics task force operation in the Western Division, marking the beginning of what authorities describe as an aggressive and sustained campaign against illicit drugs and transnational criminal activity.
The operation officially commenced on Friday, May 15, under the command of Headquarters Joint Task Force Command led by Brigadier General Manoa Gadai.
Senior Superintendent of Police Ioane Vaisewa, the Divisional Police Commander Western, joined senior police officers for a high-level operational meeting with RFMF officers focused on strengthening coordination, planning and execution of the mission.
In his opening remarks, Brigadier General Gadai reaffirmed the military’s commitment to fully support the police-led operation and stressed the importance of unity between the two organisations.
He said “unity of purpose, unity in command, and unity in effort” would be critical in confronting what he described as Fiji’s “existential threat” posed by illicit drugs.
Brigadier General Gadai assured officers that all necessary manpower, operational support and logistical resources had been committed to ensure the mission was carried out effectively and professionally.
Responding on behalf of the Fiji Police Force, SSP Vaisewa thanked the RFMF for its longstanding support and reiterated the Commissioner of Police’s intention for both organisations to work together toward a shared goal of protecting Fiji from the impact of drugs and organised crime.
He said the joint operations would set “a very high standard of cooperation, mutual respect, professionalism, discipline, and operational excellence”.
Following the meeting, personnel from the Joint Task Force Command together with Delta and Echo Companies carried out a combined operational demonstration showcasing tactical readiness and interoperability between the two forces.
In a strong warning directed at drug traffickers, suppliers and criminal syndicates, the RFMF and FPF declared that illegal drug activities “will not be tolerated”.
“The Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force will relentlessly pursue those who profit from the suffering of our people,” the statement said.
“There will be no safe haven for criminals involved in the illicit drug trade.”
Authorities said the operation marked the start of a coordinated long-term effort aimed at safeguarding national security, protecting future generations and restoring safety within communities across Fiji.
