Illicit drugs are tragically impacting the lives of young children, a concern raised by Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua. Alarmingly, he highlighted that some parents are unfortunately turning to their own children to sell these drugs, a practice that he initially believed was limited to urban areas but has now spread to rural communities as well.
Speaking to the Labasa Rotary Club, Mr. Tikoduadua emphasized the crucial role of the community in combating this drug issue. He said, “I am a big educator of the fact that the community must lead our war on drugs.” While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to ensure the welfare and security of its citizens, he asserted that the initiative against drugs must be a community-driven effort, as they are the ones who are directly involved with the children.
Mr. Tikoduadua warned that the drug epidemic is detrimental to Fiji, stating that “drugs were taking Fiji down the drain,” and emphasized the importance of taking concrete actions rather than just discussing the problem. He called for collaborative efforts to stop the flow of drugs, rehabilitate those affected, and ensure that those involved in drug trafficking face accountability.
The minister’s call to action serves as a hopeful reminder that collective community engagement can lead to significant strides in tackling this pressing issue. Working together, communities can create a safer environment for their children and foster resilience against the lure of illicit substances. Ultimately, with persistent effort and collaboration, there is potential for positive change in the battle against drug abuse.
In summary, the article discusses the alarming trend of parents using their children to sell drugs and emphasizes the need for community-led initiatives to combat this issue while highlighting the government’s commitment to support these efforts.
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