Fiji’s battle against drugs is being hindered by weak infrastructure, a lack of resources, and minimal information concerning substances entering the country, according to the nation’s recently launched Counter Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028. Stats from the Fiji Police Force highlight the country’s struggle, revealing $202,484,896 worth of drug cases between 2019 and 2023. Statistics also show an increase in recorded drug cases from 1275 in 2019 to 1615 in 2023. Marijuana is the most frequently abused substance, but kava, alcohol, cigarettes, glue, and turpentine also raise significant worry. The strategy emphasises the negative effects of illegal drug use, including chronic diseases and violence.
The National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) will take on decision-making within the strategy and the Coordination and Steering Committee will handle executive functions. Seven strategic areas are spotlighted for government focus, including prevention and awareness, supply reduction, harm reduction, legal reform, data collection and analysis, a specialised drug court, and international cooperation and coordination.
The strategy is comprehensive, detailing plans to raise awareness about substance abuse, establish a Counter Narcotics Bureau, build access to treatments for drug users, review current laws around drug control, initiate data collection and analysis to understand drug use impacts on society, establish a drug court to shift towards treatment over punishment for offences, and enhance partnerships with international entities for improved cooperation in drug control.