The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Livai Driu, has confirmed that three students from a leading school in Tailevu were questioned regarding allegations of drug use on school grounds. The students were brought to a local police station a few weeks following the incident, with arrangements made to notify their parents.
This situation has led to concerns from a parent of another student at the same school, urging the government to investigate what seems to be becoming a troubling trend within the educational system. Speaking to The Fiji Times under the condition of anonymity for the safety of his child, the parent revealed that during a recent Parent and Teachers Association (PTA) meeting, it was disclosed that some students were found under the influence of drugs, reportedly methamphetamine, on campus.
The parents learned that the students were seen engaging in erratic behavior, such as dancing in the dormitory. One parent mentioned having spent a night at a nearby village to observe how illegal substances were being brought into the school. He reported a lack of security measures, noting that vehicles were entering and exiting the school grounds late at night without any checks.
Additionally, the parent alleged that he witnessed senior students interacting with these vehicles before returning to their dormitories. He described seeing a wooden chest containing drug paraphernalia, money, and illegal substances. He expressed concerns that this is either due to inadequate supervision or teachers deliberately ignoring the situation.
Furthermore, the concerned parent indicated that his child had mentioned teachers often asking students to prepare kava during weekends. “We are very concerned because this raises questions about whether the teachers are effectively supervising our children,” he stated. “When we entrust our kids to the school, we expect the staff to care for them. With these revelations, it’s very alarming for us, especially since we live far away.”
In August, the Pacific Recycling Foundation expressed similar concerns after discovering needles and syringes in schools where they conduct recycling programs.