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.
Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu highlighted this need while speaking at the opening of the INTERPOL Criminal Network Training.
Tudravu says 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.
Tudravu says awareness of the possible movement of illicit substances across borders via sea and air and new manufacturing trends is important.
He says 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 trainings such as this.
Tudravu says the issue of financial crimes are often linked to cyber‑crime.
The training on Drug, Finance and Security Document Examination is being held at the Sofitel Hotel in Nadi.
Hosts facilitators are from the Interpol General Secretariat, World Customs Organization, Australia Federal Police with participants from Fiji, American Samoa, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga.
