'Seizing drug profits key to weakening Fiji’s trafficking networks'

Targeting the profits of drug traffickers could significantly weaken Fiji’s narcotics networks, a public consultation has heard.

University of Fiji legal officer Natalie Raikadroka made the call during the Draft Counter-Narcotics Law consultation at the Lautoka Girmit Centre yesterday, urging stronger financial crackdowns and clearer sentencing structures.

“If they are in drugs for profit, then take away the profit. Confiscate the house, the vehicles, the cash, and every benefit they receive from the drug trade,” Ms Raikadroka said.

She noted that provisions under Fiji’s proceeds-of-crime laws already exist but require stronger enforcement.

“You know who the dealers are. You know who the peddlers are. It’s about exercising those provisions,” she said.

Ms Raikadroka also urged closer alignment between the Counter-Narcotics Strategy and youth policies, highlighting that many offenders fall within the youth bracket.

“We have an outdated Youth Strategic Plan. All frameworks must gel together if we are serious about tackling this issue,” she said.

Ministry of Policing Inspector Jemesa Lave acknowledged concerns about weak enforcement of unexplained wealth provisions.

“Some of the implementation of the proceeds-of-crime laws is not being well run. That is something the government is currently looking into, particularly for drugs,” he said.

Inspector Lave said discussions were underway on separating offences such as manufacturing, cultivation, and possession in the new legislation.

He also noted evolving court decisions that have adjusted sentencing categories.

“The courts are guided by tariffs. Even though the law prescribes maximum penalties, very few receive life imprisonment,” he said.

Stakeholders agreed that aligning legislation with judicial trends, while aggressively targeting illicit profits, would send a clear national message: drug crime does not pay.