Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is calling on school communities and parents to collaborate with the Government in addressing the drug crisis. His appeal comes after a cleanup operation at the Miss Hibiscus Festival uncovered troubling evidence, including discarded syringes.
During the 100th anniversary celebration of Ratu Kadavulevu School at Albert Park in Suva yesterday, Mr. Rabuka expressed his disappointment over the negative reports received from his staff. He recounted an incident while attending a communion service at Butt Street, Wesley Church, where he instructed his staff to follow up with city cleaners. They returned with a photo showing a pile of trash that contained a syringe typically used for intravenous drug use.
Mr. Rabuka emphasized the urgency for communities to join forces in tackling the drug issue, particularly as it impacts the youth. He asserted that the battle against drugs should begin with parents, then extend to schools, religious organizations, and the broader community.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, noted that while no arrests were made at the festival last week, there were several arrests in the Suva area and its suburbs. He mentioned that used syringes were discovered in specific locations around Suva. However, he pointed out that existing laws do not classify the possession of empty syringes as an offense, indicating a need for legislative review.
ACP Driu explained that police operations are primarily focused on offenses related to liquor, theft, drugs, and property crimes, in which they have been actively managing. He assured the public that surveillance extended beyond the festival, encompassing the entire Suva area.