Ba Province intensifies crackdown on drugs

The Province of Ba has intensified its fight against drugs, reviving traditional taboos and strengthening community controls amid growing concern that young people are increasingly being exposed to drug activity.

The renewed push follows recent high-profile drug seizures, including a multi-million-dollar bust at Vatia Wharf, an area also linked to expanding tourism development.

Ba Provincial Council chair Ratu Meli Tora said decisive action was needed to protect communities, particularly youth, and acknowledged steps already taken by traditional leadership.

“The youth are being affected by this,” Ratu Meli said.

He said traditional taboo initiatives had already been enforced by the Vanua o Navatulevu and Betoraurau, with the Vanua o Vuda expected to resume similar measures later this week.

Ratu Meli said village leadership was being strengthened through discussions with mata ni tikina and turaga ni koro, including the enforcement of curfews for children and an 11pm cut-off time for grog drinking.

He identified areas from Vatia in Tavua to Sonaisali in Nadi as particularly vulnerable, citing high tourism activity and the presence of island resorts.

Ratu Meli also called for closer cooperation among the disciplined forces — the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Navy — alongside community-based Yau Bula committees.

“We may not be able to stop it completely, but we can minimise it,” he said.

He said Ba Province comprises 109 villages and 152 settlements across 21 tikina, making coordinated community surveillance critical.

“I also urge Yau Bula committees to use punts or boats for surveillance, especially around island areas where many hotels are located. These groups can act as watchdogs,” Ratu Meli said.

Nawaka village headman Mosese Ronakuru said a similar stance was taken during a Bose Vanua meeting held on January 6 within the Vanua o Nawaka, which includes the villages of Nawaka, Vatutu, Tubenasolo and Evuna.

“This is very important to safeguard our communities,” Mr Ronakuru said.

Authorities say the combined use of traditional leadership, community discipline and law enforcement support is key to reducing the impact of drugs across Ba Province.