Editorial: War on Drugs: What Are We Waiting for

The stark reality of Fiji's drug crisis has been laid bare. A shocking revelation of 57 youths, including a 14-year-old, testing positive for HIV at the Saint Giles in a single month due to risky drug practices is not just alarming-it is a national emergency.

From classrooms to communities, the scourge of drugs is tightening its grip, leaving devastation in its wake. Consultations and conferences have long discussed the problem. Now, action is overdue.

The statistics are grim. A 40 per cent increase in drug-related incidents in schools since 2018. Thousands of drug offences are recorded annually, with alarming spikes in the Northern and Western divisions.

Families torn apart, children exploited, and lives lost-all under the shadow of drugs. Yet, the response lacks enthusiasm, marred by indecision and inadequate enforcement. Words are no longer enough; our future generation is at stake.

We must take decisive, uncompromising action. The US President-elect Donald Trump has boldly pledged to deploy the might of the US military, Navy SE ALs, and drones to crush drug cartels. This is the kind of strength and resolve we need. Fiji may not have America's military arsenal, but we have our own resources, and more importantly, we have the moral imperative to act. The police, military, and judiciary must work together, supported by strong community partnerships, to wage a relentless war on drugs.

Hiding behind reports, committees, and endless debates is a luxury we can no longer afford. Every passing day without action costs lives, destroys families, and erodes the fabric of our society.

Fiji must not allow its children to fall victim to a preventable tragedy. If cartels and peddlers are exploiting our islands, they must be rooted out with the full force of the law-swiftly and mercilessly.

We call on the government to adopt an uncompromising stance, including stronger border controls, harsher penalties for traffickers, and community programmes that protect vulnerable youth. The time for talk is over. The lives of our children demand action- now.

If Trump can rally the might of the US military to fight drug cartels, then Fiji can rise to this challenge too. Failure is not an option. Our nation's future depends on it.

Feedback: naisak@fijisun.com.fj