The Fiji Police Force reported a total of 534 cases of yaqona plant theft on Taveuni Island over the past four years, from October 2019 to October 2023. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka addressed this issue in Parliament, following a question from Group of Nine Leader, Ioane Naivalurua, regarding the rise in such thefts on the island.
Rabuka noted that the situation has been challenging to explain, but he assured that the police have been making concerted efforts to tackle the problem, including implementing a community-based approach. The statistics reveal a peak in theft cases from 2019 to 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, with a subsequent decline until 2022. However, data from 2024 shows a worrying increase, with 82 cases reported from January to October.
Additionally, Rabuka indicated that there has been a rise in the theft of green yaqona plants, and as there are currently no regulations governing their sale, the police propose that all yaqona business license holders include transactions involving green yaqona in their licensing criteria.
This ongoing issue highlights the need for collaborative efforts between law enforcement and community organizations to address the illegal trade and ensure the protection of local agriculture. Positive community partnerships may lead to more effective control of these thefts in the future.
In summary, while the theft of yaqona plants presents a significant challenge, the recent initiatives by law enforcement and community organizations indicate a proactive approach to curbing these incidents, fostering hope for improved outcomes moving forward.
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