Fiji ramps up gang crackdown after drug kingpin 'murdered' during interrogation
Fiji is intensifying its crackdown on drug and gang activity following the suspected murder of a prominent underworld figure, Jone Vakarisi, during a military interrogation. The government is considering declaring a state of emergency, which would grant special powers to police and military forces. The proposed measures have sparked debate over civil liberties, tourism impacts, and the potential for abuse of authority.
- ▪Jone Vakarisi, described as a 'Fijian drug lord,' died during a military interrogation, with his death now classified as murder by police.
- ▪A leaked death certificate listed the cause of death as asphyxia and traumatic injuries, contradicting the military's initial claim of a medical emergency.
- ▪Fiji's prime minister is considering a state of emergency to combat rising drug-related crime, which could include curfews and restrictions on movement and expression.
- ▪The crackdown follows growing concerns over Fiji's role as a transit point for drug cartels targeting Australia and New Zealand.
- ▪Human rights groups have raised alarms about a 'culture of impunity' within Fiji's military and law enforcement following the incident.
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Fiji flirts with state of emergency over drugs and gangs as police and military crackdown ramps up By the Pacific Local Journalism Network's Nick Sas and Fiji reporter Lice MovonoTopic:Drugs8m ago8 minutes agoFri 1 May 2026 at 8:59pmFiji Police and the country's military have joined forces in roadblocks across the country. (Supplied: Fiji Police)In short:Fiji's nationwide crackdown on drug and gang activity could be ramped up even further, with its government exploring giving the military and police special powers.The crackdown comes in the wake of the suspected murder of a "drug kingpin" who was being interrogated by Fiji's military.What's next?Some have questioned the hardline approach.
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