The Fiji Police Force is conducting an investigation into several pharmacies in the country that are suspected of illegally selling or distributing syringes. Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations (ACP) Livai Driu stated that this investigation is part of their efforts following significant drug seizures involving methamphetamine.
Following official tips and drug raids, authorities observed that many of those arrested were already in possession of needles, raising questions about their sources. “It’s something the police are investigating further,” ACP Driu remarked. He added that they are focusing on a few pharmacies, particularly in the Central and Southern Divisions.
The investigation has proven challenging, particularly since many arrested individuals obtained the needles from middlemen, complicating the task of tracing the supply back to the primary distributor. “They never disclose their supply, and that’s the difficult part,” ACP Driu noted, highlighting a 37 percent increase in arrests related to methamphetamine possession over the past seven months.
He emphasized that pharmacies must maintain integrity in their operations, as needles should only be prescribed by doctors. “The onus is on them, and they need to be honest,” he said. ACP Driu also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities in their communities.