‘Drug fight summits must deliver results on the ground’

High-level meetings must turn into real help for people on the frontline as the war against drugs intensifies.

Opposition Member of Parliament Virendra Lal made the point when responding to Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua’s ministerial statement on the Fiji Police Force.

Referencing the inaugural Pacific Transnational Crime Summit recently held in Nadi, the MP said discussions at the top must be reflected in the resources used by frontline workers.

Mr Lal emphasised the importance of supporting law enforcement officers and demanding the highest standards of leadership to ensure the better welfare of the people.

Fiji on the front line

“Fiji is right on the front lines of this regional drug war. Our ocean borders are vast, and international criminal groups are trying to use our waters to smuggle drugs,” he said.

Acknowledging the hard work in organising the recent transnational crime summit, Mr Lal said high-level meetings must turn into real help for officers on the ground.

Summit agreement

“It is our sincere hope that the agreements made at the inaugural Pacific Transnational Crime Summit summit will result in adequate resources and proper tools being given directly to our frontline workers,” Mr Lal said.

“Our local stations need better vehicles, better maritime surveillance equipment to watch the sea, and proper gear to do their jobs safely.

“When hardworking Police officers are given the right tools, we give them the power to win this fight and protect our young people from drug networks.”

The Nadi summit brought together 10 police ministers and 18 police commissioners from around the region.

It was noted that Fiji working with international partners is a crucial step in protecting the country’s borders.