QILIHO: POLICE AWARE OF PROMINENT
PEOPLE INVOLVED IN HARD DRUGS LIKE METHAMPHETAMINE
The Fiji Police Force is aware of well-known members in the society using hard drugs such as methamphetamine, says Police Commissioner BrigadierGeneral Sitiveni Qiliho.
More commonly known as ‘ice’, the simplicity with which the drug is manufactured has seen dealers ratchet up production and reduce prices, Commissioner Qiliho said.
“We have well-off people that utilise these drugs, which we are very much aware of; even lawyers, prominent lawyers that we know are using it – people that you wouldn’t think of,” he said.
“There are (nightclub) bouncers that are involved or are the ones marketing it but are not carrying it. It’s quite a well-organised network.”
In a drug raid last week, a team from the Fiji Police seized more than 1000 marijuana plants from four farms in the Nadroga and Navosa province.
Equally concerning was the discovery of methamphetamine sachets in the homes of the alleged suspects, a sign that dealers may be moving towards the more lucrative hard drugs market.
Despite regular drug raids by the police force, the province continues to be a hotbed for marijuana production.
“The effects of methamphetamine will be worse off than the effects of marijuana,” Mr Qiliho added. “We have users in Fiji that are being affected now – that we are aware of.
“And, for a small country like Fiji, the strain (this will have) on our economy and health system will be devastating for us.”
Four suspects were arrested in the raid and have since been charged and produced at the Sigatoka Magistrate’s Court last week. According to the Commissioner, three to four crystals of methamphetamine go for as little as $50FJD. The drugs are that cheap, he said, “because of the amount that is out there.”
In their ongoing investigations, Police have also found that members of the public are often reluctant to come forward with information out of fear.
“Do not fear the drug lords,” Mr Qiliho added.
“You tell us about it and if you want your identity to be kept confidential, we will look after it and we look after your security as well. “Sometimes you may think we are doing nothing about it but no, all that information contributes to the big jigsaw puzzle (we are trying to solve).”