Acting Attorney-General defends ‘harsh’ drug sentences

Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has defended Fiji’s tough drug sentencing laws.

His remarks follow the landmark life sentence handed down to a trafficker convicted over the 4.5 kilograms of drugs seized in Nadi. 

It was the first time Fiji’s courts imposed the maximum penalty. The landmark ruling sets a new precedent in the fight against drug trafficking. 

“The law allows for life imprisonment and a $1 million fine. This shows the courts are taking these crimes seriously,” Mr Turaga said.

He explained that marijuana offences were judged by weight, with cases under 100 grams often ending in discharges or fines, while amounts over 1 kilogramme usually went before the High Court.

Mr Turaga noted growing public debate on whether penalties were tough enough, with some even calling for the death penalty, an option prohibited by Fiji’s Constitution.

“I just returned from Singapore where they use national surveys to gauge support for the death penalty. That could be something for Fiji to consider,” he said.

The Acting A-G urged greater community involvement, pointing to real cases where drug and human trafficking went unreported. “We rely on public information. If something looks wrong, speak up,” he stressed.

Mr Turaga also called on the media to investigate deeper into the drug supply chain. “Don’t just cover court cases follow the network. That’s how we get to the big fish,” he said.