The increasing challenge of drug-related crime is placing significant pressure on Fiji’s Police Force Forensic Chemistry Unit (FCU). According to Miliana Werebauinona, the unit’s principal scientific officer, the unit is currently facing a manpower shortage as it processes a growing number of drug cases. With nearly 3,000 cases entering the unit, the number of certified scientific drug analysts stands at just nine, which raises concerns about their ability to keep up with demand.
During her presentation at the 2024 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Annual Conference, Werebauinona highlighted that their lab has seen a steady increase in cases, with 2,666 analyzed last year and 2,399 already reported as of Friday morning. This trend is expected to escalate as the year continues.
Werebauinona stressed the necessity for additional personnel and technical support in the laboratory. While the Fiji Police Force Forensic Unit has benefitted from government support for lab equipment, operational challenges persist, particularly in courts where analysts must frequently appear to present drug reports.
The logistical demands placed on the team are particularly pronounced, especially when all analysts are required in different court locations on the same day. Werebauinona suggested that an ideal solution would be to have three drug analysts per division, which would facilitate more effective analysis and reporting across the island.
In addition to serving domestic needs, the FCU also provides drug analysis services for other Pacific Islands, including Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Nauru.
Despite the challenges, Werebauinona conveyed optimism about the commitment of the unit to continue its critical role in combating illicit drugs, underscoring their determination to operate efficiently in the face of resource limitations.
This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced resources and more strategic planning within the Fiji Police’s forensic division to effectively address the drug crisis while ensuring justice through timely reporting and analysis. Optimistically, as public awareness about drug issues grows, there may be an impetus for increased investment in forensic resources, ultimately fostering a safer community in Fiji.
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