THE military has been deployed to support police in the escalating fight against drugs because the scale and reach of the threat now demands a broader national response, says Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua.
His comments follow police confirmation of an escalation of joint drug operations between the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces across the country.
Mr Tikoduadua stressed the move was not a shift toward militarised policing, but a necessary step to reinforce existing law enforcement capacity.
“This is a serious national response to a serious national threat,” he said.
The coordinated efforts are targeting drug networks, supply routes and proceeds of crime.
Fiji’s drug crisis has been described as a “national emergency”, affecting communities, fuelling a surge in HIV infections, and involving organised crime syndicates.
There have also been massive illicit drug seizures lately, including the about 4.8 tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi, and the $1billion cocaine bust in Vatia, Tavua.
Fiji is also facing a drug-driven HIV surge, experiencing the world’s second-fastest-growing HIV epidemic, largely driven by methamphetamine injection and the sharing of needles (or “bluetoothing”).
Drug use is increasingly affecting younger populations, with reports of school-aged children as young as 10–13 years involved in drug consumption or trafficking.
Mr Tikoduadua said joint operations have already included raids, seizures of white and green drugs, and deployments across all five divisions, including rural and maritime areas, and known hotspots in the West.
“At this stage, I would be careful about claiming outcomes beyond what has already been publicly reported.
“The fuller assessment of impact will need to come over time.”
He reiterated that the police remain the lead agency.
“The objective must be complementarity, not duplication, and discipline in command and control is essential.”
He also acknowledged concerns about human rights and accountability, particularly following a recent death in custody.
“The enforcement of the law must remain within the bounds of the law.
“Full cooperation with investigators and strict adherence to lawful process are essential.”
He added that the duration and scale of military involvement would depend on operational needs and legal authority, maintaining that the role of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces remains one of support, not substitution.
