Fiji records 2,446 drug cases from May 2024 to 2025, majority involve marijuana

A total of 2,446 illicit drug cases were recorded from May 2024 to May 2025.

Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu highlighted this during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event, where he stated that 2,098 cases involved marijuana, 343 involved methamphetamine, and 5 were related to cocaine.

Tudravu says that during the same reporting period, 50 cases involved juveniles, of which 3 were found with methamphetamine.

He says the age group most involved in drug-related cases was between 18 and 35 years, accounting for 1,506 cases.

The Commissioner also highlighted that from 2020 to 2024, drug cases have steadily increased, not only in number but also in the variety of drugs involved.

He says marijuana remains the most commonly recorded drug, while methamphetamine cases have risen, from 100 in 2020 to 366 in 2024.

He adds that juvenile offenders were also recorded throughout this period, with the highest number, 40 cases reported in 2022.

Tudravu further highlighted that since the launch of Operation Sasamaki in March this year, the police have seized close to five tons of marijuana and significant quantities of methamphetamine. Most of these cases were linked to the unlawful possession of illicit drugs. He acknowledged growing public concern about police involvement in drug activities, stating that the force cannot afford to aid those responsible for bringing devastation to Fiji’s communities, homes, and future.

Tudravu emphasised that the police are no longer going to remain silent or allow a small group to profit from the misfortunes of others and this shift is reflected in increased public sharing of information, which has led to more arrests and drug seizures.

He adds that while drug dealers get richer, users often suffer irreversible damage to their health, their families, and their opportunity to live normal, productive lives.

Meanwhile, UNDP Ambassador Waisale Serevi says Fiji is in the grip of an illicit drug crisis — a reality that must not be ignored.

Serevi warned that the importation, distribution, and consumption of illicit drugs are threatening to destroy the very fabric of our society.

He says the danger of drugs is real, from rural communities to urban centres, from schools to streets, and if action is not taken now, we risk losing an entire generation.