Govt vehicles allegedly seen at drug hotspots

Government vehicles and individuals believed to be high-ranking officials have allegedly been sighted at drug dealing locations, according to a new HIV and drug-use rapid assessment report released this month.

The revelations emerged during talanoa sessions involving civil society representatives.

The assessment was commissioned by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and prepared by the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales in partnership with Fiji National University.

One participant reported seeing government-plated vehicles frequent drug locations.

“In my area we see government vehicles. Government plates coming in,” one civil society participant said.

“So, it’s to buy and play. And this is not the politicians coming to buy. So, we hear politicians, people working in customs, you know, high level people.”

PSC response

Public Service Commission chairperson, Luke Rokovada, said he was unaware of such allegations but stressed that, if proven, the conduct would be “totally unacceptable.”

“It should be reported to authorities and the Ministry of Finance and to the relevant departments as well as to the Ministry of Civil Service and the Public Service Commission,” he said yesterday.

The report also noted that drug-dealing was taking place openly within neighbourhoods.

“I live in a community where drug trafficking happens on my driveway, and this is a daily thing and it’s been there for so many years,” another participant shared.

Concerns were also raised about corruption undermining the national response to drug abuse.

“We have to find another way around those things. Even the head of narcotics, he’s been questioned about his engagement in the whole thing. So the level of corruption is so high in this country,” one participant said.

The assessment highlighted that methamphetamine use cuts across all socioeconomic groups, identifying users among lawyers, teachers, police officers and military personnel.

Mr Rokovada confirmed that civil servants found to be involved in drug-related activities would face disciplinary action, noting that such behaviour is inconsistent with public service expectations and impacts both work performance and personal health.

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