GCC calls for tougher drug penalties as crisis worsens

The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) has called for harsher penalties to address what it describes as a worsening drug crisis in the country.

GCC chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula said traffickers were exploiting existing laws and tougher action was needed.

“Chiefs are calling for stronger imprisonment penalties from 30 years to lengthy periods for people bringing in illicit drugs from overseas,” Ratu Viliame said.

The call follows a presentation on crime statistics by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to the chiefs yesterday.

“Figures don’t lie.”

A GCC subcommittee has been tasked to return on March 10 with specific penalty recommendations to present to the full council.

“We’ll see what the council, the subcommittee, comes up with. There’s been no mention of what type of penalties. To go to the full spectrum and see, you know, give them leeway to work on.”

Ratu Viliame said chiefs were also concerned about how poorly equipped Police officers were and stressed the need for officers to be properly prepared.

Several provinces, including Namosi, Tailevu, Lau and Ba, have introduced community-based measures to curb drug use in their villages.