Sainimili Magimagi 
The Fiji Police Force’s Drug Unit has seen a concerning rise in drug-related cases in the early months of 2025, with 309 cases recorded between March and May before declining to 65 in July.
This trend, according to the Unit, reflects both growing drug activity and intensified police operations under the new commissioner’s directive to disrupt the illicit drug trade nationwide.
Inspector Usaia Donu says community and religious leaders have been actively involved in awareness campaigns to tackle drug abuse in villages, schools, and among youth groups.
He adds that the primary drugs involved are marijuana (cannabis), methamphetamine, and cocaine, with marijuana constituting the majority of cases at 1029 for the year to date.
Donu says methamphetamine cases have risen to 111, while no recent cocaine or heroin cases have been recorded.
He emphasises the dangers of marijuana serving as a gateway to synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, which pose a severe threat due to their synthetic, man-made nature that bypasses detection mechanisms.
Donu says the Illicit Drug Control Act 2004 remains the backbone legislation guiding enforcement, with specific sections addressing unlawful possession, manufacture, import/export, and protection for informants to encourage community cooperation.
Donu strongly urges families to monitor children’s activities and possessions to prevent youth involvement in drug misuse.
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