The Fiji Police Force is keeping close tabs on the new manufacturing trend of illicit substances.

Acting Police Commissioner ACP Rusiate Tudravu says despite having these substances under their radar, Police also needs to be well versed with what they are dealing with.

“Not only must we be aware of the possible movement of the illicit substances across our borders via sea and air, we also need to be aware of the new manufacturing trends. Again, in Fiji’s context, we have recorded an increase in the domestic availability of methamphetamine and while on a smaller scale, the seizures made to date warrants the need to strengthen Intel gathering between local and international agencies.”

Tudravu says the that Tongan Prime Minister’s public statement that he was dealing with a growing drug problem, definitely piqued their interest as one of Fiji’s island groups, namely the Lau group, is closer to Tonga.

He says they do not want to be playing a catch-up game when it comes to these crimes as it can affect an individual, groups or organisations.