MINISTER FOR POLICING & COMMUNICATIONS HON. IOANE NAIVALURUA'S ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE NATIONAL TALANOA SESSION ON RESPONDING TO ILLICIT DRUGS IN FIJI

Bula vina'a and a very good morning to you all.
 
First, I acknowledge the owners of the land on which we meet:
 
i Nadonumai, na Gone Turaga na Roko Tui Suva.
 
I acknowledge the Australian High Commissioner, Mr. Peter Roberts, our Permanent Secretaries, senior officials, members of the Fiji Police Force, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Ministry of Health, civil society, leaders of faith-based organisations, youth representatives, academics, private sector partners, and our international colleagues.
 
Before we begin, let us recognise those who stand daily on the front lines of this national challenge.
 
To the officers of the Fiji Police Force, RFMF, border security, customs and enforcement agencies -your courage and professionalism protect our communities.
To parents, teachers, faith leaders, community elders, and ordinary citizens confronting this issue in homes, schools and villages — you are the foundation of our resilience.
 
Today, we gather in solemn circumstances.
 
Just days ago, we lost a young officer from Lami Police Station, Constable Peniasi Racagi, aged 25, while on active duty.
 
His passing has brought deep sadness to the Force and the nation; but has also reinforced the Forces' commitment and invigorates our whole-of-nation unity, to curb the cultivation and trafficking of illicit drugs in Fiji.
 
Out of respect for the ongoing investigation, I will not speculate. But we know this the late PC Peniasi Racagi served Fiji with honour and commitment. He will always be remembered.
 
I request you now to rise for a minute of silence in tribute to Constable Peniasi Racagi and all who have given their lives in service to our nation.
(one minute silence)
Thank you. Please be seated.
 
May his sacrifice strengthen our resolve.
 
And let me state clearly:
The Fiji Police Force is conducting a thorough and professional investigation. Every lawful resource is being deployed.
 
Those responsible - whoever they may be — will be identified, arrested, and will face the full weight of the law.
Justice will take its course.
-We owe that to his family.
-We owe that to his colleagues.
-We owe that to the people of Fiji.
 
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are not gathered for ceremony. We are gathered for responsibility.
 
The illicit drug situation in Fiji is a national emergency. In 2025 alone, more than 2,400 drug-related cases were recorded.
 
Most offenders are between 18 and 35 years of age. Major interceptions confirm Fiji's exposure to transnational trafficking routes.
 
The link between methamphetamine uses and HIV transmission shows this is not only a policing issue — it is also a public health problem.
 
Behind every statistic is a disrupted home, a lost opportunity and a strained community.
 
This National Talanoa Sessions must therefore move beyond discussion to disciplined execution.
 
The National Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028 provides a sound framework built on:
◦ Demand Reduction,
◦ Supply Reduction,
◦ Harm Reduction, and
◦ Review of relevant laws.
But strategy without measurable implementation changes nothing.
 
Over these two days, we must:
Review honestly what has and has not worked;
◦ Develop a focused 24-month Action Plan for 2026-2028;
◦ Assign clear responsibilities and timelines;
◦Strengthen coordination, including progression of the Counter Narcotics Bureau; and
◦ Sharpen accountability.
 
Five expectations must guide us:
First - Honesty.
If something is not working, we say so.
 
Second - Practicality.
We need actions that begin immediately —not another document.
 
Third - Accountability.
Quarterly reviews. Public reporting. Measurable indicators.
 
Fourth - Protection of the next generation.

Prevention must strengthen families, engage the Vanua, empower faith institutions, and create safe youth pathways.
 
Fifth - Balance.
◦ Enforcement to remain firm against trafficking networks.
◦ Borders must be secured.
◦ Intelligence must improve.

At the same time, treatment and rehabilitation must expand.

A balanced response is a strong response. This is a whole-of-nation effort.
◦ Police cannot carry this alone.
◦ Health cannot carry this alone.
◦ Communities cannot carry this alone.
◦ Government cannot carry this alone.
 
But together — with clarity, discipline and courage — we can shift the trajectory.
I have met parents who feel helpless. Officers who are stretched. Church leaders and elders carrying the weight of what is happening in their communities.
 
This is not abstract policy. It is about protecting the moral and social strength of Fiji.
 
Every young Fijian deserves opportunity.
Every parent deserves hope.
Every community deserves safety.
 
Let this Talanoa be frank.
Let it be disciplined.
Let it lead to action.
 
And when we leave here, let the next two years demonstrate coordinated national delivery — not just concern.
 
With these words, I am pleased to declare the National Talanoa Session on Responding to Illicit Drugs in Fiji officially open.
 
Vina’a va'alevu.