The proposed Counter Narcotics Bill in Fiji emphasizes rehabilitation and community reintegration as key strategies to combat drug addiction and reduce recidivism among offenders. Inspector Jemesa Lave of the Ministry of Policing made these points during a public consultation held in Lautoka, where he addressed the challenges faced by former offenders who return to Fiji after serving time abroad, often leading to a cycle of drug use.
Lave stated that the bill aims to provide offenders with the option of seeking rehabilitation before and after their arrest, which could serve as a crucial long-term solution to the country’s escalating drug crisis. He noted that there are ongoing conversations with the Fiji Corrections Service to develop effective rehabilitation pathways for drug inmates, responding to growing concerns from prisoners about the scarcity of support and programs meant to address addiction.
Moreover, the bill’s focus on reintegration seeks to ensure that when individuals struggling with substance abuse are released back into their communities, there are established support systems in place to help them avoid relapse. Lave acknowledged the importance of international policies and frameworks in shaping the proposed legislation, emphasizing that the initiative would be uniquely adapted to meet the needs of the Pacific region.
As the public consultations progress into next week, the proposed Counter Narcotics Bill represents a significant step toward addressing drug addiction in Fiji, aiming not only to punish offenders but also to provide them with the necessary tools for recovery and reintegration into society. This approach hopes to foster a more supportive environment for individuals battling addiction, ultimately benefiting communities across the nation.