Fiji’s Growing Drug Crisis: What You Need to Know

Over the past five years, Fiji has experienced significant fluctuations in illicit drug cases, reflecting ongoing challenges in drug-related activities and law enforcement efforts. Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci shared these observations during the ODPP Annual Conference held in Sigatoka, highlighting the serious risks posed to public health, community safety, and the overall social structure of the nation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these issues, disrupting law enforcement operations and creating economic vulnerabilities that have subsequently fueled illicit activities. Despite these setbacks, Raikaci noted that this period has provided valuable data on drug trends, impacts by division, types of offenses, and demographics of offenders, offering key insights for future strategies to combat drug-related crimes.

According to Raikaci, the year 2019 served as a baseline with 1,275 reported drug cases. The situation escalated in 2020, with cases surging to 1,501—an 18% increase attributed to heightened enforcement efforts and greater availability of drugs. However, in 2021, a sharp decline occurred, with cases dropping to 1,032 (a decrease of 31%), likely a result of COVID-19 restrictions limiting both criminal operations and law enforcement activities.

The year 2022 saw a rebound, with 1,236 cases reported (an increase of 19%) as restrictions were lifted and operations resumed. Alarmingly, in 2023, Fiji recorded its highest number of drug cases to date, with 1,615 incidences—a 31% increase—indicating a growing threat from illicit drugs and the increasing complexity in addressing this issue effectively.

This data underscores the necessity for continued vigilance and adaptability in law enforcement strategies as Fiji navigates this evolving challenge.

Overall, despite the sobering trends, the insights gained over these years provide a strong foundation for crafting more effective responses to the drug crisis in Fiji, potentially fostering a more resilient and proactive approach for the future.