The Fiji Police Force is urging the public to share any information regarding unreported or unknown criminal activities. This call to action follows a report from a Labasa resident who has identified Labasa Market as a hotspot for illicit drug trafficking.
According to the whistleblower, who has been monitoring the market for the past three months, there has been a noticeable increase in the presence of drug dealers. He expressed concern that while some drug peddlers are known to both the community and police, there seems to be a lack of action from certain officers to address the problem.
The informant attempted to report his observations to the police at the Labasa Market Police Post on September 27, but was informed that the police were unaware of such activities. He noted that the drug peddlers are often found near the market’s entrance adjacent to the bus terminal.
The Labasa Town Council has installed multiple closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the area. The whistleblower claims to have evidence showing some peddlers attempting to interfere with the CCTV by placing chewing gum on its recording device, and he has captured screenshots of such incidents.
Waisea Makulau, the vice-president of the Labasa Vendor and Farmer’s Association, has encouraged vendors to distance themselves from the illegal drug trade. Paul Jaduram, the council’s special administrator chairperson, emphasized that the sale of illicit drugs in the market is a persistent challenge for the council. He urged police officers to be impartial and diligent in carrying out their responsibilities.
Mr. Jaduram also advised vendors to concentrate on boosting their legitimate produce to enhance profitability rather than resorting to illegal activities for quick gains.
Divisional Police Commander (DPC) North, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kemueli Baledrokadroka, expressed willingness to engage with whistleblowers. He encouraged the informant to come forward with his claims and evidence to assist the police in conducting targeted operations. SSP Baledrokadroka confirmed that raids will continue in Labasa and other areas of Vanua Levu.