Students on Koro Island have been discovered to be involved in marijuana possession and trafficking within their school, as reported by Tevita Vunileba, chairman of the Koro Island Crime Prevention Committee.
In a conversation with The Fiji Times, Vunileba explained that educators from Koro High School, alongside police and the committee, identified these students earlier this year and provided them with counseling.
Some students were advised to transfer to other schools, while others faced expulsion. Vunileba stated, “These students have been used to distribute marijuana on behalf of dealers,” highlighting the complexity of the network involved, with up to three to four middlemen handling the sales before the money reaches the original supplier.
The investigations revealed that the students engaged in this illegal activity were repeat offenders, some having been suspended multiple times before the school opted for expulsion. He noted concern among local villagers regarding the potential influence on primary school students from those involved.
Vunileba expressed appreciation for the cadet program introduced at local schools, stating it has significantly improved discipline among students. He mentioned that Koro High School initiated the cadet program this year, which has positively impacted the student body.
As part of preparations for cadet day, students were initially hesitant about complying with grooming standards. Vunileba took the initiative to set an example by cutting his hair, an act that was well-received by parents and the community.