In the last five years, Fiji has experienced significant fluctuations in illicit drug cases, highlighting ongoing challenges in drug enforcement and related activities. This assessment comes from Acting Police Commissioner Sakeo Raikaci, who addressed these issues at the ODPP Annual Conference held in Sigatoka.
Raikaci underscored the adverse impacts these drug trends have on public health, community safety, and the overall societal framework in Fiji. He pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these challenges by disrupting law enforcement efforts and creating economic hardships that have fueled illegal activities.
Despite these hurdles, Raikaci mentioned that this period has also provided valuable insights into drug trends, patterns of offenses, and the demographics of offenders, which are essential for formulating effective strategies moving forward.
The Acting Commissioner highlighted the data from recent years, noting that in 2019, Fiji recorded 1,275 drug cases, which served as a benchmark for evaluating future trends. In 2020, there was an 18% rise in reported cases, with the total reaching 1,501, likely due to increased law enforcement efforts and a greater availability of drugs. However, in 2021, restrictions related to the pandemic led to a dramatic drop in cases to 1,032—a decrease of 31%. As restrictions lifted in 2022, the numbers bounced back to 1,236, marking a 19% increase. Most recently, in 2023, Fiji saw its highest number of drug cases yet at 1,615, a remarkable 31% increase, revealing the ongoing escalation of the drug issue in the country.
This situation, while challenging, opens a door for enhanced collaboration among authorities, community organizations, and public health entities to develop innovative solutions aimed at tackling the root causes of drug abuse and improving safety in Fiji. Through continued analysis of drug trends and community engagement, there is hope for a more effective response to the complex issues posed by illicit drugs in the region.
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