641 drug-related offences recorded from January to April, 36 were for heroin, cocaine and meth

641 drug-related offences have been recorded during the first four months of this year where 36 were for heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine while 505 were associated with marijuana.

While releasing the statistics for the first four months of this year, Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew is calling for more collaboration to address the growing number of young people involved.

He says during the four-month reporting period, 14 of those charged were juveniles, 397 aged between 18 to 35 years, a concerning figure, noting that these are considered to be our future leaders.

The Acting Commissioner reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the war on drugs.

He further says they do not shy away from the fact that perception-wise, their efforts are being compromised by the involvement of police officers, and he wants to reaffirm their commitment to changing that negative perception for the sake of gaining the trust and support of the communities.

Chew says it is not too late as some are labelling current efforts made in curbing the illicit trade.

He adds that there is strength in numbers, hence their request for community and stakeholder support as together they can achieve a great deal in protecting our children and our beloved Fiji from the devastating impacts of illicit drugs.

Chew says they are sharing more detailed statistics so that people are aware of what is happening in their communities and assist law enforcement with the sharing of information.

The Acting Commissioner says the cases are also reflective of policing efforts in detecting the cases and charging those involved.

He stressed his concern for repeat offenders and says through community policing efforts, the Police are working with stakeholders to break the vicious cycle.

The month of February recorded the highest number of cases with 189, followed by January with 169, March with 160 and 123 for April.

He says the prevalent drug offences were for unlawful possession of illicit drugs recording 594 cases during the four-month reporting period, 44 for unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs, 2 cases of unlawful importation and exportation and 1 case of unlawful transfer and supply of illicit drugs.

The Acting Commissioner says concerted efforts in the war on drugs are reflected in the number of cases recorded in all five policing districts.

He says the Western Division recorded 271 cases, 151 in the North, 128 in the Southern Division, 58 in the Eastern Division and 33 in the Central Division.

In the Southern Division, Lami, Valelevu, Nasinu, Nabua, Samabula, Raiwaqa, Navua and Kadavu recorded cases.

In the Western Division, Lautoka, Nadi, Namaka, Sigatoka, Ba, Vatukoula, Rakiraki, Nalawa, Sabeto, Tavua, Keiyasi and border recorded cases.

In the Eastern Division, cases were reported in Nausori, Nakasi, Korovou, Levuka and Vunidawa.

In the Northern Division, cases were recorded in Savusavu, Labasa, Tukavesi, Taveuni, Nabouwalu, and Seaqaqa, while in the Central Division cases were mostly in the greater Suva area.