Some layers in the drug trade are using their colossal wealth to buy off people in high positions, says Attorney-General Siromi Turaga.
And at a time when money is a “fact of life”, Mr Turaga pointed out the seriousness of this issue had caused the drug scourge in the country to thrive.
“I can tell you, there’s a lot of money out there,” he told participants at a border control workshop in Suva.
“They buy people in key positions and in a time where money is a fact of life, people really don’t realise the consequences of their actions.”
The issue, Mr Turaga said, was integrity.
He cited examples in overseas countries where people — from lawyers to politicians — were involved in activities of criminal nature.
“We will continue to emphasise the values to the officers, they work in very stressful environments, and they can be easily overcome, that’s why small meetings like these are important,” he said. ”
And as I said, we’re talking about huge money but where there is a will, there is a way.
So, as a society, embrace this, starting with the church, starting with the community and starting a conversation and raise awareness that drugs are just not the way.
“It kills society, it’s a cancer.”
