The Fiji Police Force has the backing of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) in the war against drugs.
Yesterday, RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said they were ready to help police.
This gesture was welcomed by Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew and Police Chief of Operations ACP Livai Driu.
The army commander, however, stressed they would only get involved when asked by police.
Mr Fong Chew also confirmed the military was part of the second Nadi drug bust earlier this year.
Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew is willing to work with the military in the war against drugs.
This after RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said they were ready to assist if the need ever arises — but only at the request of police.
“We had worked together in the recent major drug bust in Nadi last month when we requested them to provide the armed component during the second raid,” said Mr Fong Chew.
“Previously, we had worked together and that is the way to go, especially in the fight against drugs.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACP) Livai Driu also welcomed the offer from Maj-Gen Kalouniwai.
“Obviously we welcome their offer to assist us but for now the Fiji Police Force is taking the lead role in this fight and it is under our control,” said Mr Driu.
“The drug problem in Fiji will need a holistic approach and I am not just talking about the military but also other sectors like our churches.
We thank the Fiji Council of Churches for also coming forward to assist us in this fight.
“This is affecting our children, and we need to work together to fight it.”
Maj-Gen Kalouniwai said he was cautious about the involvement of the military in the fight against drugs but understood the uphill battle authorities faced.
“I am very cautious about military involvement,” said Maj-Gen Kalouniwai.
“We cannot just go in and try and do our own thing because that is against the law.
“But we are ready to help only when the need arises and when we are called upon to assist when and where we can.”
He said the battle against hard drugs in Fiji was a monumental task.
“We understand that our authorities are going through a difficult time in terms of trying to address this problem.
“They are doing their best to fight something that is clearly a problem.
“We have heard our Home Affairs Minister talking about how we are facing a huge challenge.
“And like I said, the RFMF is always here to assist.”
Maj-Gen Kalouniwai said the drug trade was having a devastating impact on all aspects of our community.
“We see it in our children.
“This is a real problem that we need to address.
“But we have to be sensitive about it and allow all of the relevant authorities to do what they have been mandated to do.”‘
