Law enforcement officials are urged to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of areas impacted by drug-related incidents, according to Sireli Leweniqila, a representative from Udu district. This statement was made during the Macuata Provincial Council meeting in Sasa Village near Labasa Town.
Mr. Leweniqila emphasized that certain villages and settlements may have little to no experience with drugs. He pointed out that locations closer to urban areas often have more accessibility to drug-related information, which can lead to individuals becoming both victims and offenders.
He advocates for a thorough assessment followed by proactive engagement from law enforcement in collaboration with local traditional leaders to tackle the drug issue, as the challenges may differ greatly among different communities. Furthermore, he underlined the importance of imposing strict repercussions for those convicted of drug-related offenses, such as possession or trafficking, to act as a deterrent for others.
Mr. Leweniqila noted that smaller villages tend to be more manageable under the guidance of traditional leadership, but the migration of youth to urban centers for education or employment exposes them to potential drug-related pitfalls, driven by the temptation of quick financial gains. He highlighted the global nature of drug issues, specifically mentioning methamphetamine, and acknowledged that even a small country like Fiji is not immune to these threats.
In his closing remarks, he called for enhanced border control measures to secure the future of coming generations. He reminded that while Fiji is celebrated as the ‘Friendly Islands,’ both government and law enforcement must adopt stricter policies to ensure that the consequences for drug crimes are clearly communicated and understood as grave.
This proactive approach could lead to a more resilient community, fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local leaders to safeguard the well-being of future generations against the pervasive threat of drugs.
Summary: Sireli Leweniqila, during a council meeting in Fiji, urged law enforcement to assess drug-related cases in various areas, emphasizing the need for collaboration with traditional leaders and stricter penalties for offenders to protect communities from the growing drug problem.
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