Fiji stresses need of strengthening anti-drug cooperation with int'l agents

SUVA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Fiji has recorded an increase in the domestic availability of methamphetamine and the seizures made warrants the need to strengthen intel gathering between local and international agencies.

According to Fijivillage website, the island nation's Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu highlighted this need while speaking at the opening of the INTERPOL Criminal Network Training in Nadi, the third largest city of Fiji.

There is a perception that the geographical layout of Pacific Island countries is giving rise to the trafficking of illicit drugs and other forms of trafficking, the need to collaborate and share information is at a critical stage, he said, adding that awareness of the possible movement of illicit substances across borders via sea and air and new manufacturing trends is important.

With crime becoming more borderless, law enforcement agencies need to operate in a similar manner and the best way to achieve an increased level of networking between respective organizations, can be generated through such trainings on drug, finance and security document examination.

He also mentioned the issue of financial crimes that are often linked to cybercrime.

The Fijian police are concerned about the increasing use of the illegal drug methamphetamine in the island nation.

Fiji's Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho has said that it was obvious that violent crimes were associated with methamphetamine.

The Fijian police have called for people to contact them if they had any information which would help in the fight against the drug. Enditem