The Fiji Police Force is urging the public to report any unreported or unknown criminal activities they may be aware of. This call comes after a local resident in Labasa highlighted concerns about drug trafficking in the Labasa Market.
According to the individual, who has been monitoring the market for the past three months, there has been a noticeable rise in drug dealers operating in the area. He noted that while some drug peddlers are well-known to both the community and police, action against them has been lacking.
The whistleblower reported that he reached out to the Labasa Market Police Post on September 27 to inform officers about the drug activities, requesting an increased police presence. However, he claims that the officer on duty indicated that they were unaware of such issues.
The individual asserts that the drug dealers are primarily located near the market entrance by the bus terminal and has raised concerns about the potential tampering of CCTV cameras in the area. He even mentioned having screenshots of an individual attempting to obstruct the camera’s recording device with chewing gum.
Waisea Makulau, vice-president of the Labasa Vendor and Farmer’s Association, has advised vendors to stay away from participating in the illegal drug trade. Paul Jaduram, chairperson of the council’s special administrator, acknowledged that the sale of illicit drugs remains a persistent problem faced by the council. He emphasized the need for police and officers to remain impartial and diligent in their duties.
Jaduram encouraged vendors to concentrate on enhancing their agricultural production for profit rather than seeking quick financial gains through illegal means.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka expressed his willingness to engage with the whistleblower and urged him to come forward with his claims and evidence to assist in conducting targeted operations. He affirmed that police would continue their efforts to carry out raids in Labasa and other regions of Vanua Levu.