News

Police attributes hard drugs to rise in crime

July 23, 2019 4:45 pm

The Commissioner of Police believes an increase in the use of hard drugs could be contributing to the rise in criminal activities.

Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho says an increasing number of youth who are known to be involved with methamphetamines and other drugs, are presenting symptoms of mental illnesses.

“I think people don’t really realize the effects of this and how it’s also driving criminal activity when there is a certain time period they take it the urge comes back in that could result in quick snatch type robberies that they need to trade something to buy something else to keep them going again.”

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The Police Commissioner says they’re working closely with NGOs, Church Groups and the Defence Ministry to create awareness on this issue.

“There seems to be not enough awareness in that regard that these are the effects and I’m thankful to our US special agent with the US embassy who’s gone out and spoken at Marist Brothers High School with our head officers going out and speaking as well.”

The Volatabu Group that advocates on drug issues in Fiji, is warning the public to be aware of the side effects.

Chief executive, Kalesi Volatabu believes everyone has to work together to curb the growing drug problem.

“If you have a relationship when we look at either Ice or Meth, the drug psychosis of that is obviously makes you violent, your emotion is multiplied 20 times. You’re not just harming yourself but literally harming those around you as well.”

The Police Force also has plans to establish a special unit that will be tasked to create awareness on the increasing issues related to drugs in the country.