Police have identified a concerning trend where drug dealers are specifically targeting students enrolled in the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS) during their allowance disbursements. Authorities confirmed that arrests were made near the Laucala Campus of the University of the South Pacific (USP) last week, and they are actively monitoring potential drug activity involving students from the Fiji National University (FNU) and other educational institutions.
Law enforcement officials noted that these drug peddlers are often educated individuals who exploit the timing of TELS allowances. “We made several arrests last week in Raiwaqa, where individuals were found selling marijuana rolls. Our search operations extend beyond USP to include FNU and other tertiary institutions,” stated a police representative.
He emphasized that drug dealers have become increasingly strategic in their approaches, often waiting around campus entrances rather than entering the premises. This approach allows them to target students who have just received their financial support.
“These institutions are focal points for our operations,” he continued. Police teams in the Southern Division are conducting random searches of groups exhibiting suspicious behavior. “Our current strategy involves monitoring gatherings, stopping, and searching individuals. If nothing suspicious is found, they are asked to disperse. We aim to protect students from being drawn into drug-related activities.”