Police are observing a troubling trend in which drug dealers are targeting students who benefit from the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS), especially during the time when they receive their financial allowances. Authorities have reported arrests made near the Laucala Campus of the University of the South Pacific (USP) last week and have been vigilant in monitoring potential drug activities involving students from the Fiji National University (FNU) and other higher education institutions.
According to police, these drug dealers are often well-educated themselves, having progressed through the educational system. They are precisely targeting TELS students because they are aware of the timing of when these students receive their funds.
“Last week we made some arrests in Raiwaqa involving individuals selling marijuana. Those arrested were found engaging in suspicious activities,” a police spokesperson said.
Police operations extend beyond USP, actively monitoring FNU and other tertiary institutions, as these areas are now a primary focus due to the targeting of students during allowance payments.
“These drug dealers are strategic; they refrain from entering the institutions but wait near the entrances to make their sales,” the spokesperson noted. “Our aim is to ensure these institutions remain safe from such activities.”
Police search teams in the Southern Division have been conducting random checks on groups that exhibit suspicious behavior. “Our approach is straightforward; if we see groups congregating, we will approach them, conduct searches, and if nothing is found, we instruct them to vacate the area to prevent any drug-related incidents involving students,” the spokesperson added.