The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Livai Driu, has confirmed that three students from a well-known school in Tailevu were taken in for questioning regarding allegations of drug use on school grounds. Teachers reported the incident, which took place a few weeks ago, and subsequently brought the students to a local police station, with arrangements made to inform their parents.
This incident has raised concerns among parents, prompting one to urge the government to investigate what appears to be becoming a troubling trend within the school system. Speaking anonymously to protect his child’s identity, the parent revealed that during a recent Parent-Teacher Association meeting, it was disclosed that several students were found under the influence of drugs, suspected to be methamphetamine.
During the meeting, parents were informed that these students were discovered dancing in the dormitory and engaging in questionable behaviors. Another parent recounted spending a night in a village overlooking the school, observing how illegal substances were allegedly being smuggled onto campus. He reported that there appeared to be no security measures in place, as vehicles entered and exited the school grounds late at night without any checks.
According to this parent, he witnessed senior students leaving the school to meet with individuals in cars before returning to their dormitories. He also indicated that he observed students accessing a chest containing drug paraphernalia and substances.
Concerns were also raised about teachers who, according to the parent, would reportedly ask students to mix kava on weekends. This raised further doubts about the level of supervision being carried out by school staff. The parent expressed distress over the situation, emphasizing that parents trust the school to care for their children, especially since many live far away.
In a separate statement issued in August, the Pacific Recycling Foundation expressed alarm after needles and syringes were found in schools where they operate recycling programs.