Concerns are escalating in Udu, a remote coastal area in Macuata, as villagers express growing fears that their shores are being exploited as a dumping ground for illegal drugs. Reports from locals indicate that a variety of suspicious items, including containers with residues of white powder, pipes, fishing nets, and tracking devices, have been washing ashore, raising alarms about potential drug trafficking activities taking place nearby.
Ilisoni Baleibia, a representative for the district, highlighted that a liquid substance believed to be an illicit drug was discovered at Nukudamu two years ago and later retrieved by authorities. He described the substance as being contained in a glass and indicated it may have had ties to narcotics.
Residents have repeatedly found pipes and devices resembling trackers on local beaches, which further fuels their fears about possible drug smuggling operations. Some of the retrieved items have shown traces of white powder thought to be related to illicit drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine.
The community is particularly troubled by the absence of immediate communication options, as lack of mobile network coverage hampers their ability to report suspicious activities swiftly. Baleibia noted that the ongoing discoveries of questionable items have left families feeling frightened and frustrated.
Locals believe that large vessels frequently passing through nearby waters could be contributing to the influx of drugs. “This area is hardly watched, and we fear it is being used as a drop-off point,” Baleibia explained. Despite raising these concerns in various district and provincial meetings, villagers feel that their requests for increased attention and patrols have not been adequately met.
“We’ve asked for help time and again. We want more patrols, more action, more support,” he stated, adding that the issue had grown pressing as illegal substances appear to infiltrate their communities.
Baleibia emphasized that the worry extends beyond what is washed onto the beach, bringing concerns particularly for youth potentially exposed to drugs already circulating in nearby areas. Police have confirmed they are investigating the allegations, but for now, the situation remains a source of anxiety for the residents of Udu, as they await more proactive measures from authorities.
This rising alarm serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by remote communities in safeguarding themselves against external threats. The call for increased vigilance and support resonates deeply across the region, highlighting the importance of community engagement and safety in the face of emerging drug-related issues.
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