Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of Opposition in Fiji, has raised alarming concerns about the state of drug use and trafficking in the nation, particularly emphasizing the distressing trend of drugs being sold openly on the streets, including in areas of Suva. He highlighted in Parliament that the influx of hard drugs has exacerbated the situation, citing distressing incidents involving young boys injecting drugs in public.
Expressing his commiseration with the Fiji Police Force for their awareness campaigns, Seruiratu urged the government to take further action to combat drug abuse, including strengthening community-wide awareness frameworks. He pointed out a critical link between rising drug usage and increasing cases of HIV. Notably, the Substance Abuse Council reported that 500 new HIV cases were detected within the first half of 2024, a significant rise compared to 415 total cases in 2023.
This rhetoric echoes sentiments shared by other government officials, including Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua, who previously expressed that illicit drug use and the involvement of minors in drug trafficking have become pressing concerns nationwide. Both leaders have underscored the importance of fostering community involvement to combat these issues effectively, highlighting the role families and grassroots organizations play in maintaining the safety and well-being of their communities.
Furthermore, the issue has gained attention through disturbing reports of minors using injectable drugs, prompting discussions about the urgency of preventive measures and community engagement to reverse these negative trends. The collective message from various leaders emphasizes the need for prompt action and heightened awareness to protect the youth from the dangers associated with drug use and its health implications, such as HIV transmission.
There remains hope for positive change as increased community involvement and awareness can help reverse the alarming trends, fostering a healthier and safer environment for Fiji’s youth. Together, with the joint efforts of law enforcement, governmental support, and community collaboration, Fiji can aspire to overcome its current challenges and pave the way towards a brighter future.
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