Government is adamant that the functions of the Forensic Chemistry will be better utilized under the core responsibility of the Ministry of Defence.
The state has recently agreed to transfer the functions of forensic chemistry to the Fiji Police Force - a component of the forensic chemistry functions is the analysis of illicit drugs.
This is a concern of the Ministry of Defence, given the various chemical ingredients used to produce such illicit drugs in the world today.
New illicit drugs have emerged in the market which is an indication of the prevalence of advanced crimes worldwide, and in the region as well, and Fiji for instance is not well equipped in terms of having a specific chemical laboratory to ascertain and accurately analyse any alleged substances suspected to be a drug or a toxic chemical.
The Minister for Defence, Ratu Epeli Ganilau said that the Laucala Beach Estate drug discovery in 2004 is a classic example where the Fiji Police had to solicit the assistance of New Zealand Forensic Unit to analyse crystals confiscated in the raid because Fiji did not have the capacity nor the expertise to deal with such matters.
He said that earlier this year the seizure of white powders at the border believed to be pseudoephedrine in raw state which was tested positive by the Police Drug Unit, however the Koronivia Research Station had proven otherwise.
Ratu Epeli said that the absence of advanced technological equipment raises the question of validating and presenting corroborative evidence in court on cases pertaining to illicit drug trade.
“Fiji does not own nor manufacture chemical weapons, however some of our local traders are importing toxic chemicals which have “dual use” which you need for the manufacture and production of goods and for the furtherance of your own business interests,” he said.
Article VII of the Convention requires that States designate a National Authority to serve as the national focal point which is yet to become fully operational.
“Although there is no designated staff, the Ministry continues to oversee the effective implementation with the limited resources that it has, it is my Ministry’s responsibility to ensure that the Convention is to be implemented in a manner that will avoid hampering the technological and economic development of the nation,” he said.
He said that Fiji is committed in promoting towards international cooperation for peaceful purposes not prohibited under the Act.
Ratu Epeli added that Fiji’s primary interest is always the maintenance of peace and stability within the internal environment.
A secure and stable environment is vital for the development and progress of Fiji.
Being one of the leading countries in the South Pacific, Fiji is always committed to regional security.
Fiji must ensure that peace and stability are maintained by building confidence amongst its people and should be encouraged to develop a new plan resulting from open consultation and negotiation between the Government, civil societies, and Non-Government Organizations.
He said that Fiji has a commitment to monitor and promote only activities that are not prohibited under the Convention or promoting the peaceful purposes of chemistry.