Playing legislative catch-up: Drug law reform in the Pacific

Drug trafficking in the Pacific is rapidly expanding, shifting countries from transit points to consumer and production markets. However, many national laws remain outdated, as they were designed for earlier challenges like cannabis and are not equipped to address synthetic drugs and cocaine.

Governments are under pressure to respond, leading in some cases to tougher punitive proposals, but legislative reform alone is not keeping pace with the evolving threat. Fiji’s recent approach shows a more integrated model, combining law enforcement, public health, and community engagement through broad consultations.

Community and religious institutions play a central role in shaping responses, offering both opportunities for prevention and rehabilitation and challenges where practices may conflict with human rights and evidence-based health interventions.

Overall, the region faces a structural challenge: moving from reactive, law-focused responses to coordinated strategies that address organized crime, public health impacts, and community dynamics together.