Fiji has encountered a staggering four-fold increase in drug-related crime over the last decade, as highlighted in a recent rapid assessment report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The findings indicate a substantial rise in drug offenses, as data from the Fiji Police Force reveals that registered drug-related cases surged from 479 in 2015 to 2,035 in 2024.
The report primarily examines the trends in injecting drug use and HIV within Suva. Notably, while cannabis remains the most commonly involved drug, methamphetamine (MA) cases have skyrocketed more than 36-fold in the same timeframe, representing 18 percent of all drug-related cases reported last year.
The assessment underscores that unlawful possession of drugs remains the predominant offense, accounting for a striking 95 percent of all registered drug offenses in 2024. Interestingly, a temporary decline in drug offenses during 2021 and 2022 was attributed to the disruption of drug trafficking due to COVID-19 lockdowns.
Demographic data revealed that the majority of offenders are young males, with approximately two-thirds aged between 18 and 35, and a significant 95 percent of offenders being male. Additionally, individuals of iTaukei descent represent 70 percent to 82 percent of offenders, which is slightly above their share of the national population.
The assessment further notes that the Western Division consistently reports the highest proportion of drug-related offenses, accounting for 42 percent of cases in 2024, while the Central Division follows with 28 percent.
The WHO emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring of drug trends and suggests interventions targeting high-risk groups, particularly people who inject drugs, to mitigate the dual challenges of rising drug-related crime and associated health risks, including HIV. These insights are aimed at informing public health strategies and law enforcement priorities moving forward.
With these findings, there is hope for improvement as stakeholders work together to address these pressing issues. The increase in data may serve as a crucial starting point for developing effective programs and policies that combat not only drug misuse but also its health implications across Fiji.
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