The Fiji Police Force has announced that 135 individuals, including three students, have been charged with drug-related offenses, with some facing multiple charges. Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci stated that 143 drug cases were recorded in the previous month, marking an increase compared to the same time last year.
Out of these, 138 cases involved the unlawful possession of illicit drugs, while five were related to the unlawful cultivation of such substances. The police reported that 26 cases involved methamphetamine, five cases involved both marijuana and methamphetamine, and the remaining 112 cases were related solely to marijuana.
Raikaci noted a rise in the overall crime rate for August 2024, which increased by eight percent, with serious crimes rising by 11 percent. He highlighted that theft, with 411 reported incidents, followed by assault causing actual bodily harm at 291 cases, were the most prevalent offenses. Although theft decreased compared to August 2023, it remained a significant factor in the overall crime increase. Assault cases rose from 250 in August 2023 to 291 this year, with 86 incidents classified as domestic-related. Burglary cases also increased from 164 to 189 in the same period.
The Acting Commissioner added that incidents of robbery and aggravated robbery frequently involved the theft of mobile phones, handbags, wallets, and cash through tactics such as “grab and run.” In response to the surge in theft and burglaries, concerted efforts have focused on targeting individuals allegedly receiving stolen property to address the root causes of these crimes. With the busy festive season approaching, the police will adapt their strategies to counter theft and burglary, as these offenses typically see an uptick during this time.