NEW Zealand’s $11 million commitment to help Fiji and the Pacific tackle drug trafficking will also include technical expertise, says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
She made the announcement on the first day of her official State visit to Fiji yesterday.
The New Zealand PM said the funding was for a three-year program which would enhance the capability of the Fiji Police Force in working to eradicate drug trafficking in Fiji and in the region.
In making the announcement, Ms Ardern revealed of the $11 million, $1 million was for the enhancement of forensic laboratories to ensure successful prosecutions following drug seizures.
“It was in November last year that an $11 million package was approved for a partnership between the New Zealand Police force and the Fiji Police Force,” she said.
“The first is an investment of $1 million into enhancing forensic laboratories here which is a critical part when drug seizures occur or ensuring successful prosecution through the use of forensic laboratories.
“That is one area we’re keen to support the work that you’re doing on drug law enforcements. That will commence in May this year.
“The second is the area of capacity building.”
She said another $4 million would be for enhancing asset recovery and policing capability, particularly around seizures.
“This is a $4 million investment. The specifics of that include four full-time New Zealand Police technical advisers and mentors within the Fijian police force for two years, technical assistance to the proceeds of crime unit.”
Ms Ardern said a significant part of her conversation with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was on fighting transnational crime which was not only threatening New Zealand but Fiji as well.
“We, both as nations are facing the scare of those who set to profit on the misery of others through drugs or methamphetamine.
“None of us are alone in that battle.
“In fact, we have at our borders seized record amounts of narcotics and attempts to bring that into New Zealand.
“There is a connection between those flaws around the Pacific.
“I am keen and as are you for us to work together to elevate this issue at the PIF but to also together, strengthen our work on transnational crime, particularly with our police forces.
“This is an issue that is impacting the region significantly and of course if we see markets grow in different parts of the Pacific, then you of course then see different trends and routes across the Pacific.”
