The Fiji Police Force’s Forensic Chemistry Unit (FCU) laboratory is facing significant challenges due to the increasing volume of drug cases. During a presentation at the 2024 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Annual Conference, Principal Scientific Officer Miliana Werebauinona revealed that nearly 3,000 drug cases have entered the unit, yet there are only nine certified drug analysts available to analyze these cases before they proceed to court.
Werebauinona, who became Fiji’s first certified drug analyst through the Institute for Environmental Scientific Research (IESR) in New Zealand in 2012, emphasized the urgent need for more manpower and technical support within the Forensic Unit. Last year, the lab processed 2,666 drug cases, and as of the last conference update, 2,399 cases had already been received this year, with expectations for further increases as the year progresses.
While the unit has received government support for laboratory equipment enhancements, Werebauinona noted that the evolving crime trends necessitate further adaptation of the lab to effectively meet law enforcement demands. In her view, it would be beneficial if the laboratories were independent from the Fiji Police Force to expedite capacity building and development, as current bureaucratic processes often slow down necessary improvements.
One of the most pressing challenges involves court appearances; analysts must frequently testify about drug cases, impacting their day-to-day operations and productivity. To address this, Werebauinona advocated for having three analysts assigned per division, along with additional laboratories to decentralize services. There are currently facilities in Labasa for the Northern Division and in Lautoka for the Western Division, and the unit also provides analysis for drug samples from neighboring Pacific Islands like Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Nauru.
Despite the limitations, the unit remains committed to tackling the issue of illicit drugs efficiently.
In summary, the FCU’s growing workload poses substantial challenges, but with adequate support and resources, there is potential for improvement in their operations and continued commitment to combating drug-related issues effectively. This situation presents an opportunity for Fiji to strengthen its forensic capabilities and enhance public safety through proactive steps in drug analysis and management.
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