Fiji detector dog unit recorded seizures of drugs estimated more than $17 million since 2016

Fiji detector dog unit recorded seizures of drugs estimated more than $17 million since 2016

By Iva Danford
26/03/2019
Fiji Detector Dog Unit

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho has confirmed that since 2016, the Fiji Detector Dog Unit joint team has recorded seizures of illicit drugs estimated to be worth more than $17 million.

While speaking at the Pacific Detector Dog Programme Annual Workshop, Qiliho says while the seizure of drugs may be estimated to be more than $17 million, the social cost brought on by the illicit trade is also staggering, as the devastation extends beyond the user resulting in massive social costs.

He says according to the New Zealand Index on calculating the social cost of the $17 million seizure, having factored in the social cost on the user, the community, health services and the economy, the social cost is estimated to be worth more than $33 million.

Qiliho says for any small Pacific economy, this is a worrying figure considering the respective governments are already having to meet and cater to the development needs of its people.

He says the Fiji Detector Dog Unit has been quick to make its presence known with the high volume of drug seizures, undeclared currency and a case of firearms and ammunition recorded over the last three‑year period.

The Police Commissioner says more than $320,000 in currency has been seized, with one case of firearms also recorded from 2017 to 2018.

 

Qiliho says there is a perception that the Unit operates mainly at the major ports of entry, but their contribution to the overall operations of the Fiji Police Force and Fiji Revenue and Customs Services in the Eastern, Southern and Western Division has been immense.

He says the recent high‑profile case where Australian John Nikolic was found guilty of the illegal importation of illicit drugs and the possession of arms and ammunition, is a success story that the Fiji Detector Dog Unit had a major role in.

Qiliho says the successful prosecution had surely sent out a strong message that Fijian authorities have the capabilities and resources through the specialized Fiji Detector Dog Unit, to intercept large consignments destined for other countries.

ADVERTISEMENT

MH Moneygram
MH Moneygram Send Money to Fiji
FEATURE NEWS
Lack of teachers and support resulted in low pass rate in Life Maths - Muaira College student
A secondary school student has called on the Ministry for Education to train and hire more qualified teachers, keep teachers in one school for a longe...
3 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Sagar’s abuse of office, dishonestly causing a loss case to be called on June 3rd
The hearing for Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Vimlesh Sagar abuse of office and dishonestly causing a loss will be called on June 3rd. The two appeared ...
19 minutes ago

Australian Foreign Minister in Fiji for one day official visit
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite have arrived in ...
2 hours ago

LTA warns people against illegal number plate
The Land Transport Authority is warning all vehicle owners, car show organisers and number plate vendors not to use illegal number plates and ...
3 hours ago

Students, teachers and parents urged to work together for success
As Term 2 of the school year begins today, the Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro is reminding students, teachers and parents to work together to ...
3 hours ago

Police investigate alleged suicide of inmate at Naboro Maximum Corrections
Police are investigating the alleged suicide of an inmate at the Naboro Maximum Corrections Centre. The Fiji Corrections Service has formally ...
3 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH

Tragedy at PRB Flats: Couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide in April
A couple were found dead at the new Lagilagi Public Rental Board Flats today and it is alleged at this stage that it was a murder suicide case on ...
15 days ago

Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
28 days ago

TOP