Tensions are rising in Nadi as the Vanua o Navo has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in illicit drug dealing on their ancestral lands. The community is taking a hard stance against illegal activities, and residents allegedly engaged in these practices now face the possibility of eviction.
Iliesa Ranitu, headman of Dratabu Village, expressed the community’s outrage regarding homes in Vunayasi linked to the drug trade, stressing that such behaviors would not be tolerated. Police have classified the area as a red zone, further highlighting the severity of the situation. “Cars come and go at all hours, and residents witness drug deals happening in broad daylight,” Mr. Ranitu stated, underscoring the urgent need for action against drug-related crime.
Anaisi Naulu Dawai, a chief from the Mataqali o Nadala, echoed these sentiments. She expressed her deep shame that her family’s land was housing suspected drug dealers and has taken proactive measures by issuing eviction notices to several households. “My family’s name has been shamed by what is happening here,” she lamented.
Among those affected is 56-year-old Anil Kumar, who has lived in the area for over three decades and is shocked by the eviction notices. He remarked that he and his neighbors had built their homes from the ground up, only to be told to leave. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro clarified that the situation is seen as a civil land dispute, but the Vanua o Navo remains steadfast in their commitment to remove those involved in illegal activities.
This situation reflects broader concerns expressed in similar recent cases, where land disputes intertwined with accusations of drug use have left families destabilized, as seen in incidents across the country, including Kalabu and other informal settlements. In Kalabu, a family of 12 faced the demolition of their homes due to alleged connections to illegal drugs, raising awareness about the complex legal and social dynamics involved in property rights disputes.
Despite the unsettling nature of these developments, there is an opportunity for community resilience and unity. The Vanua o Navo’s decisive actions may lead to a safer environment for residents who honor traditional values and contribute positively to their community. By standing firm against drug-related activities, the community could pave the way for a renewed sense of safety and integrity within Nadi.
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