SUVA, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The Fiji Police Force has expressed deep concern over rising drug cases involving minors.
Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew said Friday the force recorded a total of 526 arrests related to drug offenses during the first quarter of this year, including 13 individuals under 18 years old.
Chew emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue by implementing proactive measures to raise awareness in schools, media and communities, according to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation.
The Police Force reported a significant increase in drug-related cases compared to the previous year.
In March alone, 160 drug-related cases were recorded, marking a 67 percent surge from the same period in the previous year, Chew said.
Of the total 160 drug cases, 28 were associated with methamphetamine, two cases were related to cocaine, while the remaining 130 cases were related to the unlawful possession or cultivation of marijuana, the commissioner added. ■
