The Fiji Police Force is urging the public to report any unreported or unknown criminal activities. This call to action follows claims from a Labasa resident who identified Labasa Market as a growing hub for illicit drug trafficking.
According to the informant, who has been monitoring the market for the past three months, there has been a noticeable rise in drug peddlers operating within the market area. The individual reported that while some drug dealers are known to both the community and law enforcement, there appears to be inaction from certain police officers regarding this issue.
The whistleblower indicated that he had contacted the police station at Labasa Market on September 27 to report the situation and suggest an increased police presence. However, he claims that the officer who answered was unaware of any drug-related activities in the market.
The informant pointed out that the alleged drug dealers are positioned near the market’s entrance, on the bus terminal side, and claims to have evidence showing attempts by some individuals to obstruct the market’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras by applying chewing gum to the recording devices.
“I have screenshot pictures of a man trying to tamper with the CCTV, which I managed to retrieve,” he stated.
Waisea Makulau, vice-president of the Labasa Vendor and Farmer’s Association, is urging vendors to steer clear of the illicit drug trade. Meanwhile, Paul Jaduram, the chairperson of the council’s special administrator, acknowledged that drug sales in the market continue to be a persistent challenge for the council. He emphasized the need for police officers to perform their duties impartially and effectively in collaboration with the council.
Mr. Jaduram urged vendors to focus on enhancing their product offerings to boost profits, rather than resorting to illegal activities for quick gains.
In response to the whistleblower’s claims, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka expressed a willingness to engage in discussions with the informant. “I wish that the whistleblower would approach me with his claims and evidence to assist the police in conducting targeted raids,” he said. SSP Baledrokadroka assured that raids would continue in Labasa and other locations in Vanua Levu.