France inks drug fight with Fiji

Fiji will hasten the process to secure co-operation with France in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and transnational crimes in the coming months.

This was revealed in Parliament on Wednesday by the Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalarua adding that while there was no formal arrangement at this point, the Government was working towards establishing one with assured French Government support.

“In the coming months, my ministry will hasten the process of securing and processing this particular relationship to secure a formal cooperation with France,” he said. “This will take a few months, but we are assured of the French government’s support.”

Mr Naivalarua was responding to a question from Assistant Minister for Education, Iliesa Vanawalu, about future collaboration with France in strengthening efforts against drug trafficking and transnational crime.

He said the Pacific region was increasingly becoming a target for transnational criminal organisations, serving as a key transit hub for illicit activities such as drug trafficking, human smuggling and illegal fishing.

“Criminal syndicates exploit our vast maritime domain, porous borders, and limited law enforcement resources to move illicit commodities across the region and beyond,” he said.

Mr Naivalarua said he met the French Ambassador to Fiji, Julie Le Saos in June where they discussed general security within territories and the region, specifically transnational crime and drugs.

France has pledged support including enhanced operational and technical cooperation, sharing expertise and resources to improve Fiji’s ability to combat drug-related issues, and specialised training for the Fiji Police Counter-Narcotics Bureau Unit.

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