Fiji records 10% decrease in overall crime but serious crimes and drug cases record increases by 18% and 23%

Overall crime recorded between 2021 and 2022 decreased by 10 percent however the rate of serious crimes and drug cases recorded have increased by 18 and 23 percent respectively.

In a presentation at the Fiji Police Force Outreach Meeting with the Korean Community, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Maria Serukalou presented that the average of monthly overall crime for the past five years 2017 to 2021 recorded 1,786 cases and the monthly overall crime of 2022 recorded 1,314 cases during the month of April.

It was also highlighted that drugs cases continue to be a concern with over 5,000 drug cases recorded by the Fiji Police Force in the last five years.

During her presentation, she indicated that methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana top the list of drug seizures.

The major seizures were done at Denarau, Nadi Airport, and Post Offices.

ASP Serukalou says these drugs were concealed in candles, personal belongings, chocolate boxes, knapsack bags, rice cookers, car batteries, vehicle spare parts and cream and peanut butter bottles.

Serukalou says there is some good news as crimes against women recorded a decrease by 11 percent while crime against children decreased by 16 percent.