2 weeks Ago By Fred Wesley
The revelation that police have strengthened border control, particularly in sea coverage, to combat drug trafficking will attract attention. It makes sense that attention will shift to this as we experience a rise in illicit drug use around the country. Far too many people have been arrested for drugs.
It is clear that we have a major drug problem. And no amount of pussyfooting around the issue will take that away. While speaking during the World Maritime Day 2024 in Suva this week, Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACP) Livai Driu said they had a framework in place together with the frontlines — Customs, immigration, fisheries to address issues.
He raised concerns about what he terms the alarming number of yachts that could be linked to drug trafficking. “There are all these yachts that are coming in, and most of these yachts they don’t come through the proper channels,” he pointed out. “Most of these yachts they stop in the Eastern part of the Lau Group and Vanua Levu because we are so vulnerable.
And that is the challenge that we have.” Now this is pretty serious business. It means many things.
In fact, if we are concerned about our shipping lanes, then the logical step would be to be vigilant. We must be alert to loopholes in our system, and work on improving security. ACP Driu stressed the importance of international cooperation and intelligence sharing to combat drug trafficking.
The implications of the situation we have before us are serious. If we genuinely care about safeguarding our shipping lanes, we must be vigilant. It’s imperative to identify and address potential loopholes in our border security framework, ensuring that we enhance our monitoring and protection measures.
This emphasis on visibility is important. A heightened police presence in vulnerable areas can serve as a deterrent to potential traffickers. So we say, by increasing our operational readiness and community engagement, we can build a stronger defence against those who will look to exploit our maritime resources for illegal activities.
Enhancing intelligence sharing with regional neighbours will create a comprehensive network to combat drug trafficking. The global nature of this issue requires a coordinated response, as traffickers often operate across borders. By fostering partnerships with law enforcement agencies in neighbouring countries, we can better track and intercept illicit activities before they reach our shores.
Public awareness and community involvement are also important in this fight. Encouraging people to report suspicious activities can assist our efforts to combat drug trafficking. The more eyes we have on the ground, the better our chances of identifying and addressing potential threats.
The challenges posed by drug trafficking demand an immediate and concerted response. The steps outlined by ACP Driu reflect a commitment to not only tightening border security but also fostering collaboration and intelligence sharing. As we confront this pressing issue, we must remain steadfast in our determination to protect our communities and uphold the integrity of our maritime borders.
The fight against drug trafficking is not just a law enforcement issue; it is a community-wide effort that requires vigilance, cooperation, and unwavering resolve. Let’s build a safer future for all..
