Drug-related offenses recorded in Fiji between 2019 and 2023, increased by about 30%, driven by expanded law enforcement efforts and the growing availability of illicit substances.
A five-year report (2019–2023) presented at the 2024 ODPP Annual Prosecution Conference by Fiji Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Sakeo Raikaci highlighted an increase in drug cases from 1,275 in 2019 to 1,615 in 2023, totaling 6,659. The report also recorded 6,787 accused individuals, mostly employed, with marijuana as the most common drug involved.
The data also showed a significant increase in youth involvement, with the Western Division emerging as the hotspot for drug-related activities.
The majority of offenders (63%) were aged 18–35, followed by 33% aged 36–55, while juveniles and individuals over 56 each accounted for 2%. In 2023 alone, the 18-35 age group accounted for 1,001 offenders and those aged 36-55 made up the second-largest group, with 571 offenders. Men made up 95% of offenders, with women representing 5%. Most offenders (71%) were employed, 26% were unemployed, and 3% were students. Marijuana, or “green,” accounted for 94% of cases, while synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine made up the remaining 6%.
The Western Division reported the highest drug-related activity, with 2,513 cases, primarily in Lautoka, Nadi, and Sigatoka. The Southern Division followed with 1,459 cases, centered around Lami, Valelevu, and Nasinu, while the Northern Division recorded 1,428 cases, mainly in Savusavu, Labasa, and Tukavesi. The Eastern Division had 833 cases, focused in Nausori, Nakasi, and Korovou, and the Central Division recorded the lowest incidence, with 426 cases.
In terms of the types of offense, unlawful possession of illicit drugs makes up the most frequent, while trafficking and manufacturing, although less common, “are an emerging and significant concern”.
Between 2019 and 2023, Fiji recorded 6,659 drug cases involving 6,787 accused individuals. The majority of offenders (63%) were aged 18–35, followed by 33% aged 36–55, while juveniles and individuals over 56 each accounted for 2%. Men made up 95% of offenders, with women representing just 5%. Most offenders (71%) were employed, 26% were unemployed, and 3% were students. Marijuana, or “green,” was the most common drug involved, accounting for 94% of cases, while synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine made up the remaining 6%.
The 2024 ODPP Annual Prosecution Conference continues tomorrow at the Shangri-La on Yanuca Island, Coral Coast, with the theme: ‘Fiji on the Cusp of Emerging Trends: Narcotics, Age of Criminal Responsibility, International Cooperation, AI, Cybersecurity, and Mental Health.’
