Serious drug problem in Fiji as 1,564 drug-related cases recorded by Police in the last 12 months – Tikoduadua

Shocking statistics have been revealed in Parliament today as the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua says in the last 12 months, Police have recorded 1,564 drug-related cases, averaging 130 cases per month.

While responding to the question by FijiFirst MP Virendra Lal on what steps the Government is taking to address drug issues in Fiji in recent months, Tikoduadua says from the 1,564 drug-related cases, 128 cases involved methamphetamine, 1 involved cocaine, 141 were related to marijuana cultivation, while 1,294 cases involved unlawful possession of marijuana.

He says Fiji is encountering a serious drug problem, and it has been like this for a very long time.

He adds the Police and the Government will do their bit under what is allowed, but we must work together as a nation to address the issue.

The Minister says this is something that we cannot deny because it is in the midst of our community.

Tikoduadua says they have ratified the single convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 and 1971, the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and this demonstrates their national commitment to dealing with the drug issues under national arrangement or international bridges.