Lau chiefs seek closer Navy partnership to stop drugs

Traditional leaders from Lau have called for closer co-operation with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division following allegations of illicit drug discoveries in the province.

The leaders said stronger community partnerships were needed to protect Fiji’s maritime borders.

The issue dominated discussions yesterday at the Bose Vanua ni Yasana o Lau at the Yatu Lau Conference Centre in Suva yesterday, where chiefs met ahead of the annual Bose ni Yasana o Lau, which starts today.

Fiji Navy Commander, Commodore Timoci Natuva said the meeting provided an opportunity for Fiji Navy and government agencies to hear directly from community leaders about their concerns.

“The concerns are with the recent drug crimes in Lau and how we are managing vessels that come through our waters,” Commodore Natuva said.

He said representatives from Fiji Customs and Biosecurity Authority of Fiji also attended the meeting to explain border control processes and listen to feedback from traditional leaders.

“It is a good opportunity for us to listen directly to the concerns of the people in Lau and how we will manage that.”

While no specific incidents were discussed, Commodore Natuva said leaders wanted stronger strategies to address the growing threat posed by drugs entering Fiji through its maritime borders.

“It’s about how we can strategise better and work with communities to manage it,” he said.

The traditional leaders also proposed expanding community-based surveillance programmes to improve monitoring across the scattered islands of Lau.

“The main proposal is working more closely with communities through programmes similar to the solesolevaki concept because the islands are so dispersed. We’ll take those suggestions onboard and implement them. More awareness in the islands is also part of our discussions.”

He said Fiji’s vast maritime borders and growing tourism industry made close co-operation between security agencies and communities increasingly important.

The meeting comes amid heightened concern over illicit drugs washing ashore in parts of Lau in recent months, prompting renewed calls for stronger vigilance and coordination between island communities and law enforcement agencies.