The Fiji Police Force is conducting an investigation into several pharmacies in the country that are allegedly involved in the illegal sale and distribution of syringes. Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations, Livai Driu, mentioned that this inquiry is part of a broader investigation following significant drug seizures related to methamphetamine.
“After receiving official tip-offs and carrying out drug raids, we found that many of those arrested were already in possession of needles,” ACP Driu stated, raising questions about how these individuals obtained them. He emphasized that the police are actively pursuing this lead.
“We have identified a few pharmacies to focus on, particularly in the Central and Southern Divisions,” he added. The investigation presents challenges, as individuals caught often purchase from middlemen, complicating efforts to trace the supply chain back to the primary source.
“They typically do not reveal their sources, which makes it hard for us,” ACP Driu noted. He also reported a 37 percent rise in arrests related to methamphetamine possession over the past seven months, indicating a need for enhanced police operations.
He urged pharmacies to uphold their professional integrity, emphasizing that needles should only be issued with a doctor’s prescription. “The responsibility lies with them, and they need to act with honesty,” he remarked.
ACP Driu also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.