The ongoing battle against drug trafficking is significantly straining the resources of the Fiji Police Force’s Forensic Chemistry Unit (FCU). As police continue to seize large quantities of drugs, the unit faces a critical shortage of personnel needed for testing and analysis.
At the recent 2024 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Annual Conference, Miliana Werebauinona, the principal scientific officer of the unit, revealed that the FCU is grappling with nearly 3,000 drug cases this year with only nine certified drug analysts available to handle them. This shortage threatens the unit’s ability to process cases effectively before they reach the courts.
Werebauinona, who made history as Fiji’s first drug analyst certified by New Zealand’s Institute for Environmental Scientific Research in 2012, emphasized the urgency for enhanced manpower and technical support within the unit. While the unit is fortunate to receive government assistance for laboratory equipment, the growing demands reflect an urgent need for additional resources.
In 2022, the FCU managed to analyze 2,666 drug cases, and by the morning of the conference, they had already logged 2,399 cases for the current year, with expectations of that number rising further. The high volume of cases poses challenges not just in processing, but also in attending court hearings, as analysts are often required to be present in various locations simultaneously, disrupting daily operations.
Werebauinona also expressed the need for an ideal situation where the lab operates independently from the Fiji Police Force to streamline processes and facilitate necessary capacity expansions. She suggested that having at least three analysts per division along with multiple labs would enhance service distribution, as they currently serve other Pacific nations such as Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Nauru.
Despite the challenges, the determination of the unit to combat drug-related issues remains strong. This proactive approach demonstrates resilience in a pressing issue, showcasing a commitment to ensuring public safety and reinforcing law enforcement capabilities in Fiji.
As the drug problem continues to evolve, there’s hope that addressing the manpower issues within the forensic unit will lead to a stronger response and potentially lower drug-related offenses in the future. By adequately equipping and staffing the FCU, the police can enhance their effectiveness in tackling the drug crisis, ultimately benefiting the wider community.
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