Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has reiterated that Fiji does not have any drug laboratories and has called for enhanced international cooperation to strengthen the nation’s fight against illegal drug trafficking. During recent discussions with visiting members of the United States Congress, Tudravu highlighted that most narcotics found in Fiji are trafficked from abroad.
“There are no laboratories here to manufacture drugs,” Tudravu affirmed. “While some white substances seized may have been produced locally in very small amounts, we do not possess the expertise or facilities required for large-scale production. There are instances of individuals trying to ‘cook’ drugs using information obtained from the internet.”
Tudravu pointed out that Fiji’s strategic geographical position makes it a transit hub for narcotics coming from Europe and South America. Recent drug busts in Tavua have confirmed that foreign nationals are primarily behind the influx of white drugs into Fiji, with local authorities fortunate that the individuals involved were unarmed during these encounters.
In response to the growing challenges posed by drug trafficking, Commissioner Tudravu has advocated for improved information sharing with U.S. law enforcement, as well as enhanced training for police officers to boost their capabilities in monitoring and combating drug-related activities. He also stressed the need for logistical support to ensure that officers have access to vital tools and technologies.
Tudravu’s remarks underline Fiji’s proactive approach to tackling drug trafficking while emphasizing the critical importance of international partnerships in law enforcement and security efforts. This collaborative strategy is essential in fostering a safer environment for the people of Fiji and in curbing the potential rise of drug-related crime.