181 cases of illicit drugs were recorded by the Fiji Police Force last month with 176 related to the unlawful possession of illicit drugs and 5 cases of unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs.
Police say the increase in the number of illicit drug cases registered was linked to an increase in the Southern, Western and Central Divisions.
They say majority of the cases (160 cases) were related to marijuana, 20 cases were related to methamphetamine, and a case was related to cocaine.
They also highlighted that a total of 4 police officers were charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, rape and receiving a bribe.
Police say during the reporting period, there were 22 cases of serious assaults on police officers.
The Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, says the increase in registered drug cases reflects the momentum on the war on drugs as efforts to disrupt, dismantle and destabilise illicit networks continue with the support of the community.
He says this year, they have launched their festive season operation with stakeholders present as this is the way forward.
