The Ministry of Policing and Communications has commenced the development of a new legal framework to address the growing drug problem in Fiji, with a central proposal to establish a Counter Narcotics Bureau as a standalone and independent agency to coordinate national efforts to prevent, disrupt and respond to illicit drug activity.
As part of this process, the Ministry has completed a first phase of targeted consultations with key stakeholders, including the justice sector, enforcement agencies, human rights institutions, social services, health and education sectors, and community-based organisations. These discussions have helped identify the scale and complexity of the drug challenge in Fiji, highlighted gaps in the current legal and institutional framework, and generated practical proposals on enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation, governance and oversight.
Stakeholders emphasised the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach—one that strengthens investigation and intelligence-led enforcement against organised criminal networks, while also expanding prevention, diversion and rehabilitation pathways, particularly for young people and low-level users.
Issues raised during consultations included the design and accountability of a proposed Counter Narcotics Bureau, coordination across agencies, protections for informers and witnesses, modern evidence-handling processes, and the urgent need to expand access to safe, regulated rehabilitation services throughout the country.
Building on this initial phase of work, the Ministry will release a discussion paper and a draft working document to the public later this week. These documents will outline the proposed policy directions, institutional models and key legal issues under consideration, and are intended to support informed public discussion rather than to present a finalised position.
Following the public release, the Ministry will undertake nationwide consultations across Fiji during February, providing communities, organisations and individuals with the opportunity to share their views on the draft working document and to contribute directly to the shaping of the new law. Consultation sessions will be held in multiple locations, with options for both in-person participation and written submissions to ensure inclusive and meaningful engagement.
The Ministry encourages all members of the public, community leaders, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, professionals and young people to take part in the upcoming consultations. The views expressed during this next phase will play a critical role in refining the proposed framework before drafting instructions are finalised and the Bill is considered by Cabinet.
The Government remains committed to developing a counter-narcotics framework that is effective, constitutionally sound, human-rights compliant and responsive to Fiji’s social and economic realities, and that protects communities while supporting prevention, recovery and long-term resilience.