Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has declared the Western Division as the highest drug activity zone in the country. During an appearance on The Lens@177, he highlighted that Nadi is a significant area of concern for authorities, with numerous major drug busts occurring there.
Tikoduadua acknowledged that while he didn’t have an exact number of active drug users, estimates suggest the numbers are substantial. He indicated that drug use is most prevalent in the Central Division, particularly in the Suva-Nausori corridor, due to its dense population.
He noted that informal settlements are especially vulnerable, but areas like Tamavua are not exempt, as drugs are widespread. Reports have also indicated arrests in Vanua Levu and maritime islands for possession of hard drugs.
The Minister emphasized that business areas are a focal point for enforcement because they are where enablers operate. He mentioned that definitive numbers of users are hard to provide, though data is available for those seeking help and through social organizations.
The government, through the Ministries of Social Welfare and Youth and Sports, is focusing on helping street children, acknowledging that a significant number of them are involved with drugs. Tikoduadua pointed out the serious nature of even a single case, stressing the need to understand the problem’s full scope. Current estimations of drug users or those benefiting from drug marketing are considered troubling and efforts are being made to reduce these numbers.