Government rejects calls to end joint Police-RFMF joint operations

Government has rejected calls to end joint Police and military operations, saying Fiji's growing drug problem requires a coordinated national response involving multiple agencies and communities.

In a statement, Government said the scale and sophistication of illicit drug trafficking and cultivation demanded an "all-of-nation response".

"The scale and sophistication of illicit drug trafficking and cultivation in Fiji require an all-of-nation response, involving law enforcement agencies, relevant ministries, communities, civil society, faith-based organisations, the vanua, and the private sector."

Government said joint operations had produced significant results, including the destruction of more than 74,000 marijuana plants in the Northern Division and ongoing seizures of methamphetamine and cocaine across the country.

"The joint operations have delivered significant results. More than 74,000 marijuana plants have been uprooted in the Northern Division alone, with cultivators arrested and produced in court."

Government said the operations were disrupting drug networks but stressed that human rights must remain protected.

"These operations are making a real difference in disrupting illicit drug networks. However, operational success can never excuse human rights violations."

"Joint operations must continue lawfully, professionally, and with full accountability."