Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has reiterated that Fiji hosts no drug laboratories and has called for increased international collaboration to bolster the nation’s efforts against the illegal drug trade. During discussions with visiting members of the United States Congress on Tuesday, Tudravu emphasized that the majority of narcotics discovered in Fiji are trafficked from foreign nations.
“There are no laboratories here to manufacture drugs,” Tudravu stated. “While some white substances that have been seized were made locally in minuscule amounts, we lack the necessary expertise and facilities to produce these drugs. A few individuals are attempting to ‘cook’ drugs using information sourced from the internet.”
The Commissioner pointed out Fiji’s strategic geographical location, which positions the country as a transit hub for narcotics originating from Europe and South America. Recent drug seizures in Tavua have confirmed that foreign nationals are responsible for bringing white drugs into Fiji, with local authorities fortunate that the suspects were unarmed during these encounters.
In light of the increasing threats posed by drug trafficking, Commissioner Tudravu has called for strengthened information sharing with U.S. law enforcement agencies, enhanced training for police personnel to improve their capabilities in monitoring and combating drug-related activities, and logistical support to ensure that officers are equipped with essential tools and technologies.
Tudravu’s statements highlight Fiji’s proactive stance on addressing drug trafficking challenges while emphasizing the necessity of international partnerships in law enforcement and security efforts. This collaborative approach is crucial in creating a safer environment for the Fijian public and deterring the rise of drug-related crime.