ACTING Attorney-General Siromi Turaga says Government will go after the “big guys” who have allowed the free flow of drugs in Fiji.
With coordinated raids continuing across the country, Mr Turaga said it was only right that those cultivating and facilitating the trade faced the harshest punishments, not just those selling it.
“The current laws in Fiji to deal with drugs are strong, with the maximum sentence for drugs being life imprisonment and a $1million fine, so it’s tough,” he said.
“However, some people are advocating the death penalty, but this is prohibited under the law. There are discussions at the moment for Fiji to change its jurisprudence so it can be more effective in light of what Fiji is facing. The death penalty is something Government could consider.”
He cited the Lautoka High Court ruling in which Justine Ho and others were sentenced after 4.5 tonnes of methamphetamine were seized.
“Regarding the 4.5 tonnes ruling, life imprisonment was applied for the first time in terms of sentencing, and no court has given the maximum of life imprisonment or $1million fine,” he said.
“But this was done because of the severity of the case.”
Responding to queries from this newspaper about the recent drug busts and arrests, China’s Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian reminded Chinese citizens to strictly comply with local laws.
“The Chinese government maintains a zero-tolerance stance on drug-related issues and rigorously combats all forms of drug crimes, including drug manufacturing and trafficking,” he said.
“It consistently urges Chinese citizens abroad to strictly comply with local laws and regulations and refrain from engaging in any illegal or criminal activities.”
Attempts to obtain updates from police on the investigations were unsuccessful.
