The ongoing battle against drugs is increasingly straining the Fiji Police Force’s Forensic Chemistry Unit (FCU) laboratory. The unit has been overwhelmed by a rising number of drug cases, with nearly 3,000 cases entering the unit, yet it operates with only nine certified scientific drug analysts responsible for performing essential tests and analyses required for court proceedings.
Miliana Werebauinona, Fiji’s first certified drug analyst, highlighted the challenges faced during her presentation at the 2024 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Annual Conference. She emphasized the critical need for additional manpower and technical support to effectively handle the growing number of cases. Last year, the FCU processed 2,666 drug cases, and reports indicate that as of the conference day, 2,399 cases had already been logged for the current year, a number expected to rise.
While the government has contributed to improving the FCU’s laboratory capabilities with new equipment, there are ongoing challenges associated with the bureaucratic processes within the police force. Ms. Werebauinona expressed a desire for a more streamlined approach to capacity building, suggesting that laboratory operations might benefit from more independence from the police force.
She also highlighted logistical complications, particularly concerning court attendance, which has disrupted the unit’s daily operations. Having drug analysts appearing in multiple court locations simultaneously poses a significant challenge, impacting their ability to manage everyday tasks effectively.
To enhance their services and reduce the burden, Ms. Werebauinona proposed that each division should have at least three drug analysts, and additional labs could be established to distribute workload more evenly. The unit currently has locations in Labasa and Lautoka, serving the Northern and Western Divisions, respectively. Furthermore, the unit extends its analytical services to neighboring Pacific Islands, including Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Nauru.
Despite the hurdles faced by the FCU, Ms. Werebauinona is committed to advancing their efforts in the fight against illicit drugs and ensuring efficient operations, underlining the importance of forensic analysis in the broader law enforcement framework.
As the police force increasingly tackles the drug crisis, there is hope that with continued governmental support and an expanded workforce, the FCU will strengthen its capabilities and serve as an effective guardian against drug-related crime in Fiji and the surrounding region.
In summary, the Fiji Police Force’s Forensic Chemistry Unit is seeking more resources and personnel to manage a growing workload, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the war on drugs. The commitment from the unit’s leadership and potential government support offer optimism for improving their operational efficiency.
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