Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is calling on school communities and parents to collaborate with the Government in addressing the issue of drug use. His appeal comes in light of findings from a clean-up operation after the Miss Hibiscus Festival, which uncovered concerning evidence of discarded syringes.
During a speech at the Ratu Kadavulevu School’s centennial celebration at Albert Park in Suva, Mr. Rabuka expressed his disappointment upon receiving negative feedback from his staff regarding the festival’s aftermath. He recounted an incident at a Communion Service at Wesley Church, where he instructed his team to check in with city cleaners. They returned with a photo of a pile of trash that included a syringe used for intravenous drug use.
Mr. Rabuka emphasized the urgent need for communities to unite against the drug problem, noting that it particularly impacts younger individuals. He stressed that the initiative should begin with parents and extend to schools, religious organizations, and broader community efforts.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, mentioned that, although there were no arrests made at the festival, some arrests occurred in the Suva area and its suburbs. He noted that used syringes were discovered in certain locations within Suva but clarified that individuals cannot be arrested for possessing empty syringes, as current laws do not address this issue.
ACP Driu indicated that police operations primarily focus on alcohol-related offenses, theft, drug-related issues, and property crimes, which they have managed effectively. He assured that the festival wasn’t the only event under surveillance; the police were monitoring the entire Suva area.