The Fiji Police Force has reported a total of 534 cases of yaqona plant theft on Taveuni Island between October 2019 and October this year, as revealed by Prime Minister and Minister for Police, Sitiveni Rabuka, during a recent session in Parliament. This disclosure was made in response to an inquiry from Group of Nine (G9) leader, Ioane Naivalurua, regarding the surge in such thefts.
Mr. Rabuka acknowledged the challenges in addressing these thefts but assured that the police are making concerted efforts to mitigate the issue, employing community-based initiatives known as the vanua approach.
A breakdown of the yaqona theft statistics over the years shows a peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 115 cases reported in 2020. The numbers saw a decline in subsequent years, but there has been an uptick in incidents since the start of 2024, with 82 cases documented so far.
“Recently, we have seen cooperation between the police and the Methodist Church, among other religious organizations, to combat this issue,” Mr. Rabuka stated. He noted a rise in the theft of green yaqona plants as well, amidst the absence of regulatory frameworks governing their sale and purchase. To tackle this challenge, the Fiji Police Force is proposing that yaqona business license holders also incorporate regulations for those dealing in green yaqona plants in their business criteria.
The situation underscores the evolving landscape of yaqona theft on Taveuni Island, highlighting the need for proactive measures and community involvement to protect this vital cultural and economic resource.
In a positive light, the collaboration between law enforcement and community institutions, such as churches, reflects a united approach to tackling this issue. With ongoing efforts and public engagement, there is hope for a decrease in these thefts and a more secure environment for yaqona cultivation on the island.
Summary: The Fiji Police Force reported 534 cases of yaqona theft on Taveuni Island from 2019 to 2023, peaking during the pandemic. Efforts to combat theft include collaboration with community organizations and proposed regulations for green yaqona sales.
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