The ongoing struggle against drug-related crime is increasingly challenging the Fiji Police Force’s Forensic Chemistry Unit (FCU) laboratory, which is feeling the pressure from a rising number of drug cases. During her presentation at the 2024 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Annual Conference, Miliana Werebauinona, the principal scientific officer of the unit, emphasized the urgent need for additional personnel and technical resources.
Currently, the unit is facing a situation where nearly 3,000 drug cases are submitted to just nine certified drug analysts. Despite the unit’s recent success in analyzing 2,666 cases last year, the workload continues to grow, with 2,399 cases received just this year alone, a number that is anticipated to rise further by year-end.
Ms. Werebauinona, who became Fiji’s first drug analyst certified by the Institute for Environmental Scientific Research in New Zealand in 2012, underscored that while government support in acquiring lab equipment has enhanced the unit’s capabilities, the demand for services is surpassing current capacity. She suggested that if the laboratories operated independently of the Fiji Police Force, it could streamline the processes required for developing and expanding their services.
One of the critical challenges mentioned was the analysts’ attendance at court sessions, which can disrupt daily operations as their presence is required on the same day across various locations. She proposed that ideally, each division should have at least three analysts and that more labs should be established to ensure efficient service delivery.
Additionally, the FCU extends its services to neighboring Pacific Islands like Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Nauru, reflecting its regional importance in combating drug-related offences.
In conclusion, while the FCU is currently facing significant operational challenges, there is hope as they have shown resilience and a commitment to improving their capabilities. With the right support and resources, the unit can continue its crucial work against illicit drugs in Fiji and the broader Pacific region. This situation highlights the pressing need for law enforcement agencies to adapt and evolve to meet ever-changing crime trends in society.
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