26% increase in the number of illicit drug cases in August 2023

There is a 26% increase in the number of illicit drug cases registered as a result of special joint operations conducted with the Fiji Detector Dog Unit and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.

Police say out of the 161 drug cases in the month of August, the majority, totalling 147 cases, were related to the unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

The remaining 14 cases involved the unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs.

Approximately 11 per cent (17 cases) were related to methamphetamine.

The remaining 144 cases were related to the unlawful possession of marijuana.

Police say in anticipation of increased drug-related activities nearing the festive season, operations will be beefed up targeting pushers/peddlers and suppliers.