Defense Minister, Inia Seruiratu [middle]

Major organized crimes especially drug production, distribution and trafficking is a common security challenge for the Pacific Region.

This was highlighted during a press conference at the South Pacific Defense Ministers Meeting in Nadi today following a question posed by FBC News on what more could be done to ensure that these illicit drugs are seized before entering any Pacific country.

Two foreign nationals were recently caught trafficking illicit drugs into the country with one in prison while the other was acquitted.

Also before the High Court is the case of illicit drugs being allegedly transported through our National Airline.

Defense Minister Inia Seruiratu says they also need the assistance of Fijians to come forward with information so that they are able to take down these organized crimes.

“This is a national security issue and there are other border agencies involved and we have our own national arrangements that deal with it but of course it’s a serious concern and from the Defense we are doing our best.”

Secretary of Australia’s Department of Defense, Greg Moriarty says collaboration is not the only solution but there’s a need to be a step ahead of these criminals.

“The region has a really strong tradition of working together with maritime surveillance, intelligence and information sharing to build up a common picture of the threat environment and then through our various assets being able to help each other police our EEZ.”

Illicit drugs were among the main topics discussed during the meeting which ends today.