In Labasa, there is growing concern over a surge in the illegal drug trade, particularly marijuana, which is being concealed in various everyday items such as shopping bags and diapers. Doreen Robinson, a former special administrator of the Labasa Town Council, raised alarms during the recent Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit, describing the situation as a national crisis. She noted that the open sale of marijuana at municipal markets, once seen as unthinkable, is now becoming commonplace.
Robinson emphasized that the problem is deeply rooted in poverty, with some individuals reportedly earning more from marijuana sales than through traditional produce farming. She highlighted the involvement of women and children in the trade, indicating that families are now part of the problem. Robinson suggested that enforcement alone would not suffice in addressing this issue, urging the development of legal agricultural alternatives to provide viable income sources.
This issue has been echoed by law enforcement officials, including the Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo. He noted a series of arrests made at the municipal market since January, aimed at sending a stark warning to those engaged in drug trafficking. These actions include apprehensions of individuals found with significant amounts of suspected marijuana, underscoring the urgent need for community collaboration in combating drug use.
Similar initiatives at a national level have seen officials like Fiji’s Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua, stressing the necessity of addressing marijuana cultivation before it becomes culturally normalized. Police operations are not only focused on eradication but also on increasing community awareness to prevent drug-related activities from becoming embedded in the lifestyle.
Positive engagement from community members has been noted, with local leaders and market vendors supporting police efforts. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, there remains hope that collective action can lead to significant progress in reducing the impact of illegal drugs in Labasa.
The growing recognition of these issues presents an opportunity for communities to unite and explore preventative measures, promoting a healthier environment free from drug dependency.
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