The Fiji Police Force recorded a 75 per cent increase in drug related offences last month, resulting in an overall increase in crime by 14 per cent.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew said the 189 drug cases recorded last month were mainly for unlawful possession of illicit drugs comprising of 167 cases, 21 cases related to the unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs and one case of unlawful exportation of illicit drugs.
He said the increase is reflective of the organisation’s commitment in fighting the war on drugs on all fronts, including within the Fiji Police Force.
While acknowledging concerns raised on the involvement of Police officers in the illicit drug trade that continue to undermine public confidence, Chew reaffirmed his stance in curbing all forms of police-related corruption and misconduct.
Collaboration being a fundamental proactive policing strategy, the Acting Commissioner said the Fiji Police Force will continue to work on strengthening and sustaining multi-sector police-community relationships, though consultation and collaborative policing.
