Traditional leaders in the Western Division have joined security agencies and government officials in strengthening Fiji’s whole-of-nation approach against narcotics and organised drug activity.
The Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force West yesterday hosted Roko Tuis and Turaga-ni-Koro representatives during a special engagement focused on coordinated responses to Fiji’s growing narcotics threat.
The programme was attended by Commander Joint Task Force Brigadier General Manoa Gadai, Acting Divisional Police Commissioner West Senior Superintendent Esira Bari, officials from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and members of the Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force.
The workshop began with a church service led by Tikina o Nadi iTalatala Qase Talatala Seawale before Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs Paula Tuione officially opened the session.
Mr Tuione stressed the importance of cooperation between government agencies, traditional leaders, security institutions and communities in addressing drug-related threats.
Acting Divisional Police Commissioner West SSP Esira Bari later outlined the narcotics situation in the Western Division and highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement operations and community support in disrupting illicit drug activities.
A strategic briefing was also delivered by the Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force West Planning Team detailing operational plans and integrated measures aimed at strengthening counter-narcotics operations across the division.
Commander Joint Task Force Brigadier General Manoa Gadai said unity and collaboration were critical in combating narcotics networks and drug abuse.
He warned that narcotics posed wider threats beyond law enforcement concerns, impacting national security, public safety, governance, health and community resilience.
The workshop also featured addresses from the Roko Tui Nadroga, Roko Tui Nadi and Roko Tui Lautoka, who reinforced the role of traditional leadership in supporting awareness campaigns, prevention efforts, reporting and community engagement.
A talanoa session was later held to discuss operational challenges, community concerns and practical solutions for improving coordinated responses to narcotics-related threats.
Officials said the engagement reinforced the need for a united national response involving government agencies, traditional leadership structures, communities and security forces to address Fiji’s narcotics challenges.
