The ongoing battle against drugs is increasingly straining the capabilities of Fiji’s Police Force Forensic Chemistry Unit (FCU). With an alarming rise in drug-related cases, the unit is facing significant challenges in handling the workload due to a shortage of trained personnel.
During the recent 2024 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Annual Conference, Miliana Werebauinona, the principal scientific officer of the unit, highlighted that nearly 3,000 drug cases have been funneled into the unit, which only has nine certified drug analysts to manage the processing and testing before these cases go to court. Ms. Werebauinona, who became Fiji’s first certified drug analyst by the Institute for Environmental Scientific Research (IESR) in New Zealand in 2012, emphasized the urgent need for additional manpower and technical support to keep pace with the increasing number of cases.
The unit saw a total of 2,666 drug cases analyzed last year, and as of the conference, had already received 2,399 cases, with expectations of this number rising before the year’s end. Support from the government has allowed the lab to acquire essential equipment, enhancing its operational capabilities. However, to meet the growing demands, Ms. Werebauinona expressed the need for more analysts, ideally suggesting at least three per division, given current staffing is stretched thin and impacts court attendance and daily operations.
Currently, the forensic labs are under the jurisdiction of the Fiji Police Force, which presents bureaucratic challenges in addressing capacity-building needs. The personnel not only serve Fiji but also extend their services to neighboring Pacific islands such as Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Nauru, further emphasizing the importance of their role.
Despite the challenges, the dedication of the FCU remains unwavering as they strive to combat drug-related issues effectively. A future with an expanded forensic capability and a more streamlined administrative process could greatly enhance their impact in law enforcement and community safety.
In summary, while the Forensic Chemistry Unit is facing significant challenges due to rising drug cases and manpower shortages, proactive steps towards enhancing resources and staffing could lead to substantial improvements in addressing drug-related crime in Fiji and the region. With continued support from government and investments in the forensic science field, there is a hopeful path towards a more effective law enforcement response.
Leave a comment