MORE drug suspects are being hauled in for questioning as police, backed by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, intensify a nationwide crackdown on illicit drugs, seizing substances and cash believed to be proceeds of crime in a sweeping series of operations.
It is understood that these coordinated efforts are aimed at disrupting the upper echelons of local drug syndicates.
Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua yesterday confirmed the ramping up of operations across the country to tackle Fiji’s growing illicit drug use and abuse.
He referred queries on the detention of known drug dealers to police, but said “recent reporting confirms active raids, arrests, seizures, and custody actions as part of the current operations”.
Government, he said, had intensified anti-drug efforts, including increased police deployment, intelligence-led operations, enhanced surveillance, and joint police and RFMF activity in rural, maritime, and known hotspot areas.
On the military’s role in the joint operation, he said the RFMF’s role was to support police within a clearly defined framework.
“Public statements to date have pointed to assistance in joint operations targeting remote interior cultivation areas, maritime trafficking routes, and other locations where terrain, reach, and logistics matter.
“The lead law enforcement role remains with the police.”
Under what legal framework the military was being deployed, Mr Tikoduadua said the constitutional backdrop most often cited publicly was Section 131(2) of the 2013 Constitution.
“Which states that it is the overall responsibility of the RFMF to ensure at all times the security, defence and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians.
“At the same time, this support must operate within the law and alongside the civilian law enforcement mandate of the police.”
Police did not respond to queries on the number of individuals arrested or taken in for questioning, but a statement confirmed the seizure of both white and green drugs and a focus on the financial aspect of the drug trade, particularly “tainted properties”.
Police urged members of the public to assist by reporting suspicious activity through the toll-free line 1681.
