Minister for Police, Hon. Paula Piukala, announced major security reforms, shifting key units under police control to combat drug trafficking and transnational crime.
Speaking at a government press conference last Friday, Piukala confirmed that the National Intelligence Security Unit, previously housed in the Prime Minister’s Office, has been moved to the Ministry of Police headquarters in Longolongo. The Drugs Taskforce Unit has also been placed under police jurisdiction to work closely with the Transnational Crimes Unit.
“The drugs operation is refocused to be led by the Police Commissioner,” said Piukala. He added that the current budget will now prioritize tackling drug supply.
To strengthen border security, Piukala revealed plans to deploy the Navy’s defense department for maritime patrols. “I got information from Vava’u about container ships allegedly using crane lifts far out in the ocean,” he said.
The government is also working to install CCTV cameras at borders, airports, and wharfs. “We must establish that we can protect our borders,” Piukala stressed. “With the effort we have now, if we can’t stop it—referring to drug traffic—then at least we can reduce it.”
Piukala aims to revisit previous anti-drug strategies to ensure measurable results.
