The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Livai Driu, has confirmed that three students from a well-known school in Tailevu are under investigation for allegedly using drugs on school grounds. According to Driu, the students were taken to a nearby police station for questioning by teachers a few weeks after the incident, and their parents were subsequently contacted.
The situation has raised concerns among parents, leading one to urge the government to conduct an investigation into what seems to be a troubling trend within the school system. Speaking anonymously for the protection of his child, a parent noted that during a recent Parent and Teachers Association (PTA) meeting, it was disclosed that some students were found under the influence of drugs, believed to be methamphetamine, while on school premises. It was reported that these students were observed dancing in the dormitory and exhibiting questionable behavior.
Another parent shared his experience of spending a night in a nearby village overlooking the school to investigate how illegal substances were being smuggled in. He reported that there appeared to be no security checks in place, as vehicles entered and exited the school grounds late at night unchecked. According to his account, he witnessed senior students engaging with individuals in these vehicles and later returning to the dorms.
The concerned parent also claimed to have seen students access a wooden chest filled with drug paraphernalia, money, and illegal substances. He attributed these issues to either a lack of supervision or neglect from teachers.
Additionally, the worried parent mentioned that his child reported teachers often encouraging students to prepare kava on weekends. “We are very concerned because this raises questions about whether the teachers are fulfilling their responsibilities in supervising our children,” he expressed. “When we send our kids to school, we rely on the staff to ensure their safety.”
In August, the Pacific Recycling Foundation also voiced its worries after finding needles and syringes at schools where they run recycling programs.