Top Equipment for Drug Detection

Officers from the Fiji Rev­ enue and Customs Services (FRCS) and other bor­der agencies yesterday received world-class drug detection equip­ment to aid drug discoveries with­in Fiji's border.

The Japanese government in partnership with the United Na­tions Development Programme handed over First Defenders and TruNarc equipment to the partici­pants.

The equipment will help border officials in scanning and testing narcotics, dangerous chemicals, and other substances in real time. Such assistance allows FRCS, police and other relevant border agencies to have instant evalua­tion of the medicines' categorisation without having to wait days or weeks for test results.

Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, Rokuichiro Michii highlighted that the Japanese government stands ready to further assist Fiji in this area.

"It makes it all the more impor­tant that we work hard to enhance our border," Mr Michii said.

"Now, this is also for the narcotics, but as the minister mentioned, you have very wide maritime zones and maritime security con­cerns."

The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua referred to the recent internation­al drug bust in Spain where pack­ages were labelled 'Fiji'.

Relevant authorities in Spain are investigating the origin of the drugs. "We're trying to send a mes­sage across to people who want to bring drugs to Fiji," Mr Tikodu­adua said.

"Do not do that, do not bring drugs to Fiji because we will catch you and this gives us better eyes and detection abilities."

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