The Government has rejected calls to end joint operations between the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, saying the country’s fight against illicit drugs requires a coordinated national response.

In a statement, Government said the scale and sophistication of drug trafficking and cultivation in Fiji necessitate the involvement of law enforcement agencies, ministries, communities, civil society groups, faith-based organisations, the vanua and the private sector.

The Government highlighted the outcomes of the joint operations, noting that more than 74,000 marijuana plants have been uprooted in the Northern Division alone, with cultivators arrested and produced in court.

It also pointed to ongoing seizures of methamphetamine and cocaine across the Central, Western and Eastern divisions as evidence that the operations are disrupting drug networks.

While supporting the continuation of the joint operations, Government stressed that operational success must not come at the expense of human rights and accountability.

Government said joint operations must continue lawfully, professionally and with full accountability while maintaining efforts to combat illicit drugs and organised crime.