A national drug rehabilitation centre will be set up to address the surge of drug-related crimes and addiction plaguing Fiji communities.
According to Fiji Police, 384 illicit drug cases were recorded from January to April this year, marking a 20 per cent increase compared with 2022.
The North recorded the highest cases at 144.
Offences related to unlawful possession of illicit drugs stood at 341.
Marijuana was the main drug in 361 offences, followed by 22 cases of methamphetamine and one of cocaine.
Out of the 380 people arrested, 367 were male, 254 were aged between 18 and 35, and 102 were between 36 and 55.
Twelve offenders were juveniles, and 12 were over 56 years.
Assistant Commissioner of Police and Chief Intelligence, Investigation, Prosecutions, Narcotics and Forensic Sciences ACP Sakeo Raikaci also revealed the bulk of their budget was spent on drug operations in areas around the Western and Northern Divisions, and Kadavu.
ACP Raikaci said drug abuse was a significant problem in Fiji as increasing numbers of people struggled with addiction to marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine and other substances. Such instances also raise concerns about safety and security of those in the community.
“With this, the Fiji Government has recognised the need for effective drug rehabilitation services to help those struggling with addiction as highlighted in the Strategy under the Harm Reduction Pillar,” he said.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health started its work to make the rehabilitation centre a reality, details of which would be revealed in due course.
ACP Raikaci said the centre would provide suitable programs to assist those suffering from addiction and develop a comprehensive home-grown rehabilitation package for addicts.
This included a national referral pathway for drug addicts that provide services ranging from medical detoxification, counselling, therapy, and support groups to help individuals address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction.
He stated the rehab centre would provide a safe and secure environment for drug addicts to recover from their addiction, and that facilities would be staffed with trained professionals to provide round-the-clock care and support to those undergoing treatment.
Additionally, programs for mid-and-long term rehab would be tailored to the needs of individual patients to help overcome addiction and lead healthy and productive lives.
Once established, the centre would also help to provide outreach programs to educate the public on the dangers of drug addiction and encourage those struggling with addiction to seek help and assistance from relevant agencies.
“The establishment of a drug rehabilitation center in Fiji with suitable programs would be a significant step forward in our fight against drug addiction and the restoration of a person’s life.
“It would demonstrate our commitment as a nation to address this problem and provide much-needed support to those who need it the most.”
ACP Raikaci said through the provision of effective rehabilitation services, the Government aimed to reduce the number of drug-related crimes and improve the overall health and wellbeing of individuals and communities affected by drug abuse.
