‘Put the military on the ground, bring back death penalty’

The Government should deploy the military and introduce the death penalty to win the war on drugs, an investment consultant says.

Sandeep Singh told a counter-narcotics consultation in Suva today that public consultations were wasting time while the country faced what he described as a drug pandemic.

“Why are you scared to put the military on the ground? I don’t care if somebody is killed to save hundreds of our younger generations,” Singh said at the forum at the Suva Civic Centre.

“The death penalty should be part of the law. Put the military on the ground and start the drug war.”

However, Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai confirmed last week that the military would not use firearms while supporting police drug operations.

He said the RFMF’s role was limited to logistical support, including transport, equipment and planning assistance for remote and maritime operations.

Mr Singh questioned how Fiji, with a $4 billion national budget, could have between $2 billion and $3 billion worth of drugs seized in the country.

“A country that is budgeted annually at $4 billion, but we have $2 billion to $3 billion worth of drugs being taken into custody — who is financing it?” he asked.

Mr Singh claimed nearly 45 per cent of Fiji’s population was affected by drugs and HIV.

“This is not the time for public consultation anymore,” he said. “You have law enforcement agencies, a bloated Parliament with 55 members and a civil service of almost 40,000.”

“You should make a decision to eliminate the drug issue in the country.”

Mr Singh also called for the establishment of a specialised drug court, a no-bail policy for anyone caught with drugs valued at more than $5,000, and the immediate destruction of seized drugs after evidence is recorded.

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