Fiji recorded 641 drug-related offences in the first four months of the year, with 14 juveniles and 397 youths aged 18 to 35 among those charged.
February saw the highest number of cases at 189, followed by January with 169, March with 160, and April with 123.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew highlighted that 505 of these cases involved marijuana, while 136 involved methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Most offences were for unlawful possession (594 cases), with 44 for unlawful cultivation, 2 for unlawful importation/exportation, and 1 for unlawful transfer and supply.
Chew said the cases are also reflective of policing efforts in detecting the cases and charging those involved.
The Western Division had the highest number of cases (271), followed by the Northern (151), Southern (128), Eastern (58), and Central (33) Divisions.
In the Western Division, Lautoka, Nadi, Namaka, Sigatoka, Ba, Vatukoula, Rakiraki, Nalawa, Sabeto, Tavua, Keiyasi and border recorded cases. In the Northern Division, cases were recorded in Savusavu, Labasa, Tukavesi, Taveuni, Nabouwalu, Seaqaqa, while in the Central Division cases were mostly in the greater Suva area. In the Southern Division, Lami, Valelevu, Nasinu, Nabua, Samabula, Raiwaqa, Navua and Kadavu recorded cases. In the Eastern Division, cases were reported in Nausori, Nakasi, Korovou, Levuka and Vunidawa.
Chew stressed the need for community policing to address the issue, particularly the involvement of young people. He called for greater community collaboration to combat the drug problem and reaffirmed the commitment to improving police integrity and efforts against illicit drugs.
“There is strength in numbers, hence our request for community and stakeholder support. Together we can achieve a great deal in protecting our children and our beloved Fiji from the devastating impacts of illicit drugs,” Chew said.
