STATEMENT

The Fiji Police Force is appealing to members of the public to refrain from using methamphetamine because of the high health risks associated with the drug currently circulating in the country, which can also result in the loss of life.

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that speeds up the body’s system in the form of a pill or powder.

Crystal methamphetamine resembles glass fragments and is an illegally altered version of the prescription drug that is cooked with over-the-counter drugs in meth labs.

Methamphetamine is highly addictive causing agitation, increased heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, body temperature, anxiety and paranoia. High doses may cause convulsions, cardiovascular collapse, stroke or even death.

The Fiji Police Force has taken the recent seizures of methamphetamine in the West and Southern divisions seriously, and members of the public must remember that methamphetamine use can result in a variety of adverse outcomes, and death.

Tests have also indicated presence of other cutting agents which poses high health risk to users. The Fiji Police is concerned with the health risk associated in the production of this synthetic drug which is the final product of a chemical process involving various chemical compounds some of which, are dangerous and YET local dealers are exploiting the vulnerable (users) for financial gain.

The Fiji Police Force is also appealing for information in relation to drug activities in their communities and to contact Crime Stoppers Hotline 919.

MESAKE WAQA

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE - CRIME