The participants at the Narcotics workshop in Suva [Source: Fijian Government]

“The Pacific is no longer free from the harmful effects of drugs.”

These are the words of Assistant Commissioner of Police Internal Affairs Tevita Waqabaca.

While officiating at the Narcotics workshop in Suva, Waqabaca says new methods are being used to circulate drugs in Fiji and its entry into the country was also expanding.

He is urging law enforcement agencies to be one step ahead of the culprits as Fijian lives are at stake.

“I would like to thank the UNDOC for creating awareness and dialogue with all key stakeholders on the best way forward in the fight against drugs. The drug market is diversifying and manufactures and dealers are becoming more innovative trying to find ways to evade the long arm of the law.”

The three day workshop aims to review the International Drug Framework stands, and how stakeholders can make provisions useful for a national drug strategy.