Turaga Backs Death Penalty Call

Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has hinted his support for calls to reintroduce the death penalty on those convicted of trafficking large amounts of illicit drug into the country.

He made the statement on Koro Island on Tuesday.

The ‘death penalty’ call was initially made by the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya as a mean to curb the illicit drug trade in Fiji.

This call has not only gathered support recently, but also strong criticisms.

“The Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, has called for the death penalty, and she has a point,” Mr Turaga said.

“We do not want Fiji to become a breeding ground for such drugs. You can usually tell when someone is under the influence of drugs. A new drug called methamphetamine is now in Fiji. I have been informed that users of this drug can go days without sleeping.

“We must all unite to fight this dangerous drug. The Government cannot do it alone, so I call on the vanua (people) and the church to play their part.”

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has however expressed his opposition to the suggestion of implementing the death penalty for individuals involved in drug-related crimes.

Mr Turaga heard that marijuana remains a problem for Nasau Village in Mudu, Koro Island.

Marijuana remains a problem in Koro

Tui Nasau, Vonevate Vetaukula highlighted this issue in an interview with this masthead.

Mr Vetaukula said the village has a crime committee that ensured no one from the village was involved in the cultivation of marijuana.

“There are individuals from the village whom we have referred to Police upon discovering their involvement in marijuana cultivation. Some are already in prison while others are in court,” Mr Vetaukula said.

“We also monitor vessels that come to the island to ensure they do not transport these illicit drugs to Suva. We refer those we suspect of cultivating marijuana to the Police and regularly inspect farms to ensure that farmers from the village do not grow it.”

He said the major sources of income for the village were yaqona, dalo (taro), cassava, and vudi (plantain).

Mr Turaga warned villagers that any form of illicit drugs should not be tolerated.

“We must ensure that drugs are not a problem here. You should not be afraid to report them because once they enter the village, it becomes difficult to address the issue,” he said.

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