OVER the past five years, Fiji has witnessed notable fluctuations in illicit drug cases reflecting evolving challenges in drug-related activities and enforcement, says Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci.
Speaking at the ODPP Annual Conference in Sigatoka today, ACP Raikaci said these developments pose significant risks to public health, community safety and the country’s social fabric.
“The COVID19 pandemic exacerbated the situation disrupting law enforcement operations and creating economic vulnerabilities that fueled illicit activities,” he said.
“Despite these challenges this period has provided critical data on drug trends, divisional impacts, offence types and offender demographic offering insights into how these issues can be better addressed moving forward.”
He said in 2019 – the baseline year recorded 1275 cases, establishing a foundation for analysing subsequent trends.
“In 2020, cases surged to 1501 an increase of 18 per cent indicating a significant rise in drug-related activities.
“This increase may be attributed to expanded enforcement efforts and growing drug availability. 2021, the number of cases dropped sharply to 1032 (decreased by 31 per cent) likely due to COVID19 restrictions that disrupted criminal operations and limited law enforcement activities.
“In 2022, a rebound was observed with 1236 (an increase of 19 per cent) signalling a resurgence in drug activities as restrictions eased and normal operations resumed.
“In 2023, Fiji recorded its highest number of cases at 1615 (an increase of 31 per cent) underscoring the escalating threat of illicit drugs and the increasing complexity of tackling this issue.”
