The prevalence of the drug trade among low-income earners is on the rise. According to ACP operations officer Livai Driu, this year has already seen an increase in drug-related cases, largely attributed to individuals engaging in drug cultivation.
Driu noted, “It’s the volume of drugs, particularly cultivation, that we’ve been encountering,” highlighting a worrying trend that is surfacing beyond the typical areas associated with narcotics. He pointed out new instances in locations such as Rakiraki, the Lau Group, the Lomaiviti Group, and Koro, which are not traditionally recognized as hotspots for drug activities.
The ACP emphasized that this issue is extending into unexpected territories, and law enforcement agencies are mobilizing to tackle the situation. They are focusing on information sharing and targeting significant areas of concern.
He remarked, “Most of the children we’ve arrested come from informal settlements in Suva, particularly areas like Nanuku and Jittu estate.”
Furthermore, Driu revealed that students are increasingly becoming targets in the drug trade, especially those studying at the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Fiji National University (FNU). “We are aware that some of those involved are USP students,” he stated, adding that the authorities are now focusing on educational institutions to combat the issue.