The prevalence of drug trade among low-income individuals is on the rise. According to Livai Driu, an ACP operations officer, 2024 has already seen a record number of drug-related cases, largely due to increased involvement in drug cultivation.
Driu stated, “The volume of drugs, especially cultivation, has been significant.” He noted that this issue is not limited to traditionally known hotspots. Areas such as Rakiraki, the Lau Group, the Lomaiviti Group, and Koro are now emerging as new locations for drug activities.
He emphasized that this trend is likely to continue, with drug trade operations appearing in unexpected places. Fiji’s law enforcement is actively responding to this trend, with specialized teams focused on information sharing and addressing areas of concern.
The officer mentioned that many of those arrested are children residing in informal settlements, specifically referencing areas like Nanuku and Jittu Estate in Suva.
Moreover, Driu highlighted a concerning trend where the drug trade is increasingly targeting students, particularly at institutions such as the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Fiji National University (FNU). “We have identified USP students as a primary concern, which is why we are focusing on those areas associated with FNU, USP, and other schools,” he said.