News:2026-07-30/Policy/fiji-police-shift-kadavu-drug-enforcement-from-raids-to-a-community-led-strategy-after-12-years

30 July 2026

Policy

Fiji·Eastern Division·Kadavu·

Fiji police shift Kadavu drug enforcement from raids to a community-led strategy after 12 years

Divisional Police Commander Central Superintendent Luke Cerenasiga said the Fiji Police Force was shifting its approach in Kadavu from police-led operations to a community-driven strategy, saying 12 years of drug operations on the island had not produced a significant impact. He said the direct operational presence from Suva would be reduced so local authorities and communities take responsibility for drug issues, with village leaders, chiefs and district representatives expected to identify problems, report offenders and work with police and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs. The approach had been trialled for about two months in coordination with the Turaga na Roko Tui Kadavu. Cerenasiga said only a small number of communities were affected, pointed to Namosi's chief-led drug-free declaration as a model for other provinces, stressed that any customary action must remain within the law and rejected claims of police involvement in the Kadavu drug trade, saying no such reports had been received. Police seizures from Kadavu farms in 2021 included plants with an estimated street value of more than FJ$539 million. Reported by Sosiveta Korobiau for the Fiji Sun on 30 July 2026.

https://fijisun.com.fj/news/nation/police-admit-raids-alone-failed-to-curb-kadavu-drug-trade-turn-to-chiefs Source

2026-07-30 Policy Fiji police shift Kadavu drug enforcement from raids to a community-led strategy after 12 years Divisional Police Commander Central Superintendent Luke Cerenasiga said the Fiji Police Force was shifting its approach in Kadavu from police-led operations to a community-driven strategy, saying 12 years of drug operations on the island had not produced a significant impact. He said the direct operational presence from Suva would be reduced so local authorities and communities take responsibility for drug issues, with village leaders, chiefs and district representatives expected to identify problems, report offenders and work with police and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs. The approach had been trialled for about two months in coordination with the Turaga na Roko Tui Kadavu. Cerenasiga said only a small number of communities were affected, pointed to Namosi's chief-led drug-free declaration as a model for other provinces, stressed that any customary action must remain within the law and rejected claims of police involvement in the Kadavu drug trade, saying no such reports had been received. Police seizures from Kadavu farms in 2021 included plants with an estimated street value of more than FJ$539 million. Reported by Sosiveta Korobiau for the Fiji Sun on 30 July 2026. https://fijisun.com.fj/news/nation/police-admit-raids-alone-failed-to-curb-kadavu-drug-trade-turn-to-chiefs Fiji Eastern Division Kadavu 19° 3' 0.00" S, 178° 15' 0.00" E Fiji Police Force