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Fiji is capable of dealing with transnational crimes: Colvin

January 24, 2019 12:57 pm

Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Andrew Colvin with Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho

Fiji is probably the most capable in the Pacific to deal with transnational crimes and other challenges.

During his visit to Fiji, Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Andrew Colvin says however it’s a joint responsibility for the region as well.

Colvin says transnational crimes not only remains a huge problem in the Pacific but in Australia as well.

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“One of the elephant in the room are narcotics, that’s the elephant in the room in Australia as well. The reality of the situation in Australia is that we are, if not the largest capita, we are one of the top three per capita uses of illicit drugs in the world.”

He says the Pacific is particularly vulnerable to this and Fiji is capable of addressing it.

Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho says Fiji also has a responsibility to protect Australia.

“We are the main transit of narcotics coming into Australia, we have the biggest number of tourists from Australia here, so we have a big responsibility of looking after your citizens too while they are here.”

Qiliho adds there’s a huge task ahead not only for Fiji and Australia but other Pacific Island countries as well.