The revelation that drug cases increased by 28 per cent in all five policing districts in Fiji for the month of September is cause for concern.
A police statement yesterday noted that while the overall crime rate decreased in the five divisions, there were certain crimes that recorded an increase when compared with the same period last year.
It has seen Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci urging divisional police commanders to urgently address increases in serious offences and put in place strategies to counter illegal activities.
The fact that cases connected to drugs are on the rise should inch out more attention. Once again we reflect on the war against drugs and wonder how we are faring now. We reflect on the rise in cases of people taking “ice” for instance.
Young Fijians are getting addicted. This is why we have been urging the powers that be to push for the set-up of rehabilitation centres that will help addicts get over their habit.
With addicts are around us, the question remains, what are we doing to assist them to get over their addiction? Sceptics may insist that we all have a responsibility to understand what is right and wrong and should have the common sense to stay away from drugs.
But this is why we need awareness, to educate Fijians, especially the young about the dangers of drug addiction, and the challenges they may be forced to live with.
The police report also noted the Southern division recorded an increase in cases of aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, attempt to commit rape, reported rape cases and theft of motor vehicle cases.
Aggravated robbery cases for the Western division increased while cases of burglary recorded a drop when compared with the number for September last year and cases of rape increased this year.
The Eastern division recorded increases in cases of attempted burglary. Burglary cases increased this year. There were three cases of robbery recorded in the Eastern division compared with one last year and there was one murder case recorded.
In the Northern division, there was one case of arson reported, one case of rape and there was one case of attempt to commit arson.
The Central division registered an increase of five cases of burglary with 13 registered last month compared with eight for the same period last year, while there was a case of theft of motor vehicle compared to nil last year.
However, overall, the statistics for the month of September showed a decrease in the crime rate by 11 per cent.
This, according to police, was a direct result of the reduction of serious crimes by eight per cent, reduction in crimes against women by 11 per cent and a reduction in crimes against children by 46 per cent.
While we are encouraged by the latest figures suggesting a decrease in some cases, we encourage the police force to be proactive in the fight against drugs. Addiction is real!
We are reminded also about the negative roll-on impact of drug addiction on society!
