The drug trade is becoming more common among low-income individuals. According to ACP operations officer Livai Driu, the year 2024 has already recorded the highest number of drug-related cases, primarily due to an increase in drug cultivation activities.
ACP Driu noted, “The volume of drugs, especially from cultivation, has risen significantly.” He mentioned that this issue is not restricted to traditional drug hotspots. New areas such as Rakiraki, the Lau Group, the Lomaiviti Group, and Koro are now emerging as unexpected locations for drug activity.
He emphasized that law enforcement agencies in Fiji are actively tackling these developments with dedicated teams focused on information sharing and addressing key areas of concern.
Moreover, he revealed that many of the children arrested in connection to the drug trade are from informal settlements in Suva, specifically areas like Nanuku and Jittu estate.
ACP Driu also pointed out that the drug trade is increasingly affecting students, particularly those attending institutions like the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Fiji National University (FNU). “We are aware of students from USP being targeted, which is why we are focusing on FNU, USP, and other educational institutions,” he stated.