The geographical location of the Lau Group has left the province highly vulnerable to drugs entering Fiji through eastern and northern sea routes, says Lau Provincial Council chairman Ratu Meli Saubulinayau.
Ratu Meli said Lau’s position made it easier for drugs to reach the islands, yet there was no permanent authority stationed in the area to monitor maritime entry points.
“Because of the geographical location of the Lau island group, it is much easier for drugs to reach us,” Ratu Meli said.
He said access routes into Lau existed from both the eastern and northern sides, which were also primary entry points into the country.
“There is currently no authority stationed around the Lau Islands to monitor these routes.”
He raised concerns about yachts entering Northern Lau, particularly Vanuabalavu, without immediate oversight.
“We have yachts coming into Northern Lau, and we often have to wait for Customs to arrive.”
In some instances, he said, vessels were not responding to authorities.
“There are cases where these yachts are not even responding to us.
“At the moment, with only three naval ships and hardly any funding for fuel, it is very difficult.”
He said the vast ocean area surrounding Lau made enforcement challenging and called for realistic solutions such as a forward naval base.
Without stronger maritime control, he warned, Lau would remain exposed to drug trafficking through poorly monitored sea routes.
