Seruiratu defends previous government’s drug record

Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has countered accusations that the previous government neglected the escalating drug problem. Responding to Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, who blamed the FijiFirst administration for inaction, Seruiratu asserted that the government was indeed aware of the issue through regular briefings from the Police Commissioner. Seruiratu clarified that the handling of drug-related matters fell under the purview of the Police Commissioner, and neither the Prime Minister nor the line minister interfered with police operations. He stated that these briefings were confidential. Seruiratu further revealed that the previous government had considered separating the anti-drug unit from the Fiji Police Force due to widespread allegations of corruption. He emphasized that while the Police Commissioner managed internal corruption, the government's strategy focused on isolating specialized drug operations from general police work.

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We are aware of the drug problems, but in terms of how it is being addressed, that is the responsibility of the police commissioner and any support that needs to be provided to the commissioner of police because of the role of the commissioner according to the Constitution; that is something that the government does not try to address through the office of the minister.