Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has identified the Western Division as the most significant drug zone in the country. During an appearance on The Lens@177, he highlighted the area of Nadi as a particular concern due to numerous major drug busts.
Tikoduadua mentioned that, although he couldn’t provide the exact number of active drug users in the country, the estimates suggest a substantial figure. In terms of consumption and prevalence based on population, he noted that the Central Division is most concerning, especially in the Suva-Nausori corridor due to its large population.
He pointed out that informal settlements are particularly vulnerable, but stressed that drugs are widespread, even in places like Tamavua. Arrests have been made in Vanua Levu and maritime islands primarily involving “white, not green” substances.
Tikoduadua emphasized the importance of targeting business areas, where enablers of the drug trade are often found. He acknowledged the difficulty in determining the total number of users, emphasizing the availability of data from those seeking help and from social organizations.
The government’s focus, through the Ministries of Social Welfare and Youth and Sports, is on addressing drug use among street children. Tikoduadua revealed that they have identified concerning numbers of street kids using drugs, stressing the need to understand the extent and nature of the problem.
“Our goal is to reduce the number of people involved in drug use and marketing,” he said, underlining the urgency of curtailing the issue.