Members of the community today had their say on how to tackle Tonga's rising illicit drugs problem, during a one-day national Stakeholders Consultation, aimed to form a Tonga Illicit Drugs Policy.

Earlier this week, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat held one-on-one meetings with authorities such as Tonga Police, Prisons, Ministry of Justice and Attorney General's Office, before this national consultation invited the community to join at Tanoa Hotel.

In opening the meeting this morning the Minister of Police Hon Mateni Tapueluelu said the impact of illicit drugs is wide and profound.

He said the issue of illicit drugs is not only a police problem; it is a social problem which highlighted the need to cooperate and coordinate with all sectors.

He said government had embarked on this national initiative to develop the National Ilconsults icit Drugs Policy, aimed at identifying gaps, capacity issues and integration opportunities in the areas of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, enforcement to reduce the harm associated illicit drugs. 

“You as a stakeholder would be able to contribute your ideas and experiences, which feed into the formulation of a policy framework,” he said.

“Make no mistake there is a war on illicit drugs but we must be cautious in articulating the enemy. We must look beyond the user, beyond the supplier and manufacturer and focus on the underlying cause.”

He said the harmful impact of illicit drugs on our society touches all levels. In health there are incidents of road fatalities and mental problems, in social issues its effect in crimes and now, increasingly, in family violence. In economic issues there is already a rise in law enforcement and health costs. Therefore, it is important for government, NGO, private sector and community to work together.

"It is a war that not one Ministry can win or Government alone. It calls for the country to join together in a coordinated effort to address issues of illicit drugs in our country and region."

Tonga Police

Police Commissioner Steve Caldwell in his address, reiterated the Minister's message that illicit drugs were not just a Police problem, but everyone's problem and they needed the stakeholders help.

"We must stand united, be strong and work together."

He said we don't have all the solutions but we know this, we need to protect our young people who are our future.

“Yes, we have declared war on drug dealers but enforcement is just one approach, we must protect through education, treatment, rehabilitation, giving people opportunies and options to keep their families safe,” said the Commissioner.

After the opening, separate sessions were held with church leaders, district and town officers, community leaders, civil society organization, women/youth groups and the business sector.

Meanwhile, a report is expected to be submitted to the Tongan Government from PIF, who is conducting the consultancy, with suggested ways forward in a few months.