Law enforcement officials have reported the arrest of 18 individuals this year on charges related to possession of illegal drugs. Among those apprehended are two juvenile students and a woman arrested earlier today.
On New Year’s Day, a 17-year-old student in Lami Village was found with a ziplock bag containing dried leaves and five additional sachets suspected to be marijuana. Another student, aged 16 from Nauluvatu, was discovered with 11 sachets of the same substance. Other arrests included a 30-year-old baker from Wailea with six sachets, and a 35-year-old farmer from Labasa found with nine sachets of dried leaves believed to be marijuana. Additionally, a 42-year-old unemployed man from Qelewaqa Labasa was detained after being found with dried leaves at the Labasa market taxi stand.
On January 2, a 35-year-old farmer and a 32-year-old laborer, both arrested at the Labasa Market, were found in possession of 3 and 9 sachets of dried leaves respectively. A 40-year-old man from Qelewaqa was taken into custody at the Labasa Bus Stand for possessing 11 sachets, while a chef from Valebasoga was arrested for carrying four sachets.
The following day, four young men were arrested along Queens Road in Lautoka after police discovered 48 sachets of dried leaves in their possession. Further arrests were made in Suva and Kinoya, where individuals were caught with various sachets of methamphetamine, as well as a 24-year-old man in Nausori found with two ziplock bags containing white crystals believed to be meth.
Remarkably, yesterday a police team during a training exercise found 334 green marijuana plants in Tukavesi, further indicating the continued efforts to curb drug-related activities.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, expressed gratitude for the community support in rolling back the drug issue, highlighting collaboration with local leaders and community groups who are determined to protect the youth. Driu emphasized the necessity of collective action in fighting the ongoing battle against drugs.
This year’s drug arrests signal a proactive law enforcement approach to tackling drug issues in the community. The collaboration with local leaders proposes a united front against the drug crisis, helping to pave the way for a safer environment for future generations. By working together, communities can foster positive change and deter drug-related activities, ultimately leading towards healthier, drug-free environments for youths.
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