Editorial: Winning the drug war starts at home
The battle against drugs cannot be won by police alone. Families, chiefs, communities and Government must all play their part.
Thursday 30 July 2026 | 10:30
Marijuana plants seized by police during an operation in Kadavu.
Photo: Police Media Cell
The Fiji Police Force’s decision to change its battle against marijuana cultivation on Kadavu, is timely and necessary. It should be followed.
After 12 years of operations and community awareness, it is clear that enforcement alone cannot stop the drug trade.
What happened to the Commissioner of Police’ headline last March: ‘Police Will Hunt Down Drug Dealers,’ ‘We are watching you.’
Do they have the resources, equipment and manpower? Do they have the needed financial backing? If not, who should be blamed?
Police should be helped, equipped, and protected against the drug trade which is getting sophisticated and advanced every day.
The Kadavu community-driven approach should be heeded. It gives responsibility to village leaders, chiefs, district representatives and families. They know their people, their land and the hidden cultivation sites. They possess traditional authority to influence behaviour and protect their communities.
That responsibility demands courage, consistency and integrity. Leaders should remain loyal to the cause. Real change should start at home. Parents, fathers, elders and community leaders must guard their children against drugs. Offenders should be held accountable, but communities must offer pathways to rehabilitation, and a better future. Punishment should be made with the hope that it will change lives, attitude and character.
Government must stop the economic benefits that drive marijuana cultivation. Many turn to drug cultivation because it provides money. Cut down the bureaucratic tapes. Expand access to agriculture, fisheries, small business finance, affordable machinery, housing support and vocational training.
Kadavu’s strategy using communal and traditional approach should be Fiji’s model against drugs. When communities are empowered and supported with law enforcement, Fiji can defeat the drug trade.
The fight against drugs must begin in every home, village and community with love, care, and traditional disciplinary methods. This will plant seeds of hope for our future generation.
