A SAVUSAVU resident has called for a clear investigation into the suspected links between drugs and the recent deaths of young people in Fiji, warning that the country must not ignore the possibility of drug-related violence.
Speaking during the parliamentary special committee’s public consultation on the 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill in Savusavu last Saturday, Emosi Rakai said there was no public evidence to confirm that some killings were drug-related, but warned of underlying challenges that could threaten public safety.
He cautioned that Fiji could be moving towards a climate similar to that experienced in Latin American countries affected by drug cartels.
Mr Rakai said the suspected connection between drugs and recent deaths needed to be properly established, while urging authorities to strengthen enforcement and ensure that drug laws served as an effective deterrent.
He questioned whether existing and proposed penalties were strong enough to discourage drug operators, particularly those with the financial means to absorb substantial fines.
Referring to proposed counter-narcotics legislation, he pointed to the possibility of a $50million fine, life imprisonment or both, but questioned whether financial penalties alone would deter those involved in the drug trade.
“$50million can be paid by drug lords using their own operators on the ground,” he said.
Mr Rakai called for stronger safeguards and tougher enforcement measures, urging authorities to review how drug laws could be implemented more effectively to deter both major operators and those working on the ground.
