High drug-related offences recorded in the Northern and Western Divisions

Northern and Western Divisions have recorded the highest number of reported drug-related offences like marijuana from January to May this year.

This was highlighted by the Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu at the closing of the awareness week for the International Day against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking last Friday.

ACP Driu reiterated the Acting Commissioner’s concerns that addressing any issues relating to children's behavior or involvement in drugs and criminal activities can no longer be left solely to the Police.

He says 177 reported drug-related offenses were recorded in the Northern Division which is an increase of 76 new cases apart from the 101 cases recorded in January to May last year.

ACP Driu says the Western Division recorded a total of 173 reported drug-related offences which is an increase of 60 new cases apart from the 113 recorded last year from January to May.

He adds that a slight drop in reported drug-related offences in the Southern Division, a total of 81 offences recorded from January to May this year apart from the 100 cases reported at the same time last year.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations says there has also been a spike in the discovery of methamphetamine with a total of 38 offences reported apart from the 7 offences reported last year.

ACP Driu says unlawful possession of illicit drugs, mainly marijuana has topped the list with a total of 484 apart from the 386 cases reported last year.

He says to depict the vicious cycle of drugs and criminal activities, community support is needed to safeguard our youths from the harmful impacts of drugs and also curbing illegal activities from our youths.

The Fiji Police Force hopes that the messages shared by students throughout the week a reminded of what is at stake if we do not work together to safeguard our future generation.