Fiji to put in place practical mechanisms to combat drug abuse

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SUVA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The South Pacific island nation of Fiji is putting in place practical mechanisms by introducing strategies and policies to combat drug abuse.

According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), Fiji's Minister for Defence and National Security Inia Seruiratu said on Tuesday that his ministry is in the process of putting in place practical mechanisms by introducing strategies and policies to effectively curb and provide medical remedies for addicts.

Drug abuse is becoming a worldwide public health issue specifically for methamphetamine which has found its way into the Pacific island nations, including Fiji, he said, adding that statistics show an increase in the usage of methamphetamine in Fiji from two cases in 2013 to 113 cases in 2018.

While pointing out that many Pacific island nations lack territorial integrity let alone drug functional structures to adequately monitor their drug situation, the minister said that the trend has challenged the law and enforcement agencies in the early detection of lucrative drugs.

In Fiji, the most commonly abused substances are marijuana, methamphetamine, cigarettes, kava and alcohol. Last year, the Fijian police seized drugs worth over 94 million U.S. dollars in the island nation.

To step up its raids on drug abuse, the Fijian police are now using body cameras and drones to track people farming and selling drugs like marijuana on the island nation. Enditem

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