THE Mata ni Tikina Tavua Ratu Ovini Bokini, has called for the urgent revitalisation of traditional coastal monitoring systems following the massive drug seizure in Vatia waters on Friday.
Speaking on the security of the region’s coastline, Ratu Ovini highlighted the role of the iTaukei traditional structure, which includes sea wardens and qoliqoli committees formed at the tikina (district) level.
“These groups are specifically assigned the responsibility of policing their traditional fishing grounds (qoliqoli areas) and monitoring for any irregularities,”he said.
However, he revealed that many of these committees have not been operational for some time.
“There now needs to be a concerted effort at both the village and tikina levels to rebuild their capacity.
“This revitalisation should focus on empowering them to identify and report suspicious drug-related activities.”
Ratu Ovini emphasised that the scale of the recent bust proves that local knowledge is essential for border security.
“The most effective way forward is a collaborative model where these traditional guardians work hand-in-hand with the Fiji Police Force and other local coastal communities to secure our borders and protect our people.”
The early-morning raid resulted in the confiscation of more than 100 sacks of suspected cocaine and the arrest of six individuals, including four foreign nationals from Ecuador and two locals.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu confirmed the operation involved officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department (SOCID), and the Western Division Taskforce.
Mr Tudravu stated the raid was the result of collaboration between local and foreign law enforcement.
Investigations into the shipment and the suspects in custody are ongoing.
