This year has seen a significant number of arrests connected to drug possession, with 18 individuals apprehended so far. Among these arrests, two juvenile students were taken into custody on New Year’s Day, along with a female offender arrested just this morning.
On January 1st, police arrested a 17-year-old student near Lami Village after discovering a zip lock bag containing dried leaves, along with five sachets of what is believed to be marijuana. Another juvenile, a 16-year-old from Nauluvatu, was found with 11 sachets of similar dried leaves. Other arrests included a 30-year-old baker from Wailea settlement and a 35-year-old farmer from Kilikoso, Labasa, who were respectively caught with six and nine sachets.
More arrests continued through the following days. A 42-year-old unemployed man from Qelewaqa Labasa was apprehended at the Labasa market taxi stand, while a 35-year-old farmer and a 32-year-old laborer were also arrested at the market for possessing marijuana sachets. Police also took a 40-year-old man into custody at the Labasa Bus Stand after finding 11 sachets on him, and another chef was arrested for possessing four sachets.
Extensive patrols led to the apprehension of four young men in Lautoka, carrying 48 sachets of marijuana. Additional arrests included a 58-year-old man in Suva and a 24-year-old in Nausori for possessing methamphetamine. A significant discovery was made during a training exercise, where police found 334 marijuana plants ranging in height from 10 cm to 174 cm.
This morning, a female was arrested in Nailuva for possessing methamphetamine. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, commented on the ongoing battle against drugs, highlighting the vital role of community support. He expressed gratitude for information provided by local leaders and community members united against drug abuse and its detrimental impact on youth.
Overall, while the statistics may seem concerning, the community’s active engagement and the police’s relentless efforts signal a collective commitment to combatting drug-related issues, promising a brighter future for the younger generation. The ongoing collaboration between authorities and community leaders is essential to fostering a safer environment and preventing drug misuse.
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