The Fiji Police Force has reported a total of 6,659 drug-related cases in the past five years, with the peak occurring last year when 1,615 cases were recorded. Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci conveyed these statistics at the opening of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Annual Conference in Sigatoka.
Raikaci pointed out that there was a 31% decrease in drug cases in 2021, which he attributed to COVID-19 restrictions. However, he emphasized that this decline does not indicate a reduction in drug involvement within the community.
To combat the ongoing drug issue, the Fiji Police Force is actively engaged in community outreach programs and operational efforts that have led to numerous arrests and prosecutions, particularly during the festive season. “We are visiting schools, churches, communities, and Provincial Meetings, and our festive operations continue to yield more arrests,” Raikaci noted.
Additionally, he acknowledged the government’s commitment to addressing drug-related challenges, citing the establishment of a new Narcotics Bureau. Raikaci urged lawyers to weigh the government’s anti-drug initiatives against the individual rights of those involved in drug offenses as they perform their roles in the justice system.
The Director of Public Prosecutions Conference is set to conclude today.
This article highlights the ongoing challenges Fiji faces in addressing drug-related issues, but it also reflects hope through the community engagement efforts and the government’s commitment to combatting drugs. These initiatives could foster a stronger, safer community in the long run.
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