The ongoing war on drugs is increasingly straining Fiji’s Police Force’s Forensic Chemistry Unit (FCU). The unit has been overwhelmed by the rising number of drug cases, which has significantly impacted its ability to conduct timely tests and analyses.
During a presentation at the 2024 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Annual Conference, Miliana Werebauinona, the principal scientific officer and Fiji’s first certified drug analyst, highlighted a critical manpower shortage. The unit faces the daunting task of processing nearly 3,000 drug cases with only nine certified scientific drug analysts. This situation has stirred urgent calls for additional support and resources.
Last year, the unit managed to analyze 2,666 drug cases, and as of this month, it has already received 2,399, with expectations that numbers will rise as the year progresses. Werebauinona emphasized that despite the government’s assistance in procuring laboratory equipment, the expanding capabilities of the lab still fall short given the shifting patterns of drug-related crimes.
She voiced concerns over the bureaucracy involved in managing lab needs, noting that it would be more efficient if forensic labs operated independently from the Police Force. The high volume of cases not only burdens the analysts but also leads to logistical challenges, particularly when they are required to attend multiple court hearings simultaneously to present drug reports.
To better manage the workload, Werebauinona advocated for a significant increase in personnel, suggesting that each division should ideally have three drug analysts. Currently, there are only two additional labs located in Labasa and Lautoka to serve the northern and western divisions of the country.
In addition to supporting Fiji’s law enforcement, the unit also provides drug analysis services to other Pacific nations such as Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Nauru. Despite the challenges, the FCU remains dedicated to combating illicit drug use and trafficking effectively.
This situation illustrates both the growing challenge posed by drug-related crimes in Fiji and the resilience of the forensic unit in overcoming obstacles to fulfill its vital role. With the right investments in personnel and infrastructure, there is hope for improved efficiency in the fight against drugs, benefiting both Fiji and its neighboring islands.
Summary: The Fiji Police Force’s Forensic Chemistry Unit is facing significant challenges due to an influx of drug cases and insufficient manpower. The unit has only nine certified analysts to handle nearly 3,000 cases this year, leading to calls for more technical support and staff. Despite these challenges, the unit is committed to its role in managing drug-related crimes effectively while also providing analysis services to other Pacific nations.
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