Vendors at Labasa market are urging for increased police patrols due to a rise in the number of drug dealers in the area. Waisea Makulau, interim president of the Labasa Market Association, reported that at least 20 young men are reportedly selling drugs daily within the market.
Makulau noted a significant surge in drug activity, stating, “Before, there were a handful of dealers. Now we’ve seen a considerable increase. I’ve witnessed these young individuals selling drugs right before my eyes.”
He emphasized the vendors’ commitment to combat this issue by consistently filing complaints with the police, and he called for the installation of more surveillance cameras at the market to enhance security.
In response, Divisional Police Commander Senior Superintendent Kemueli Baledrokadroka remarked that the police’s focus on combating drug-related activities extends beyond just the market. He highlighted that since August, there have been four arrests made at the market as part of ongoing efforts to tackle drug issues in the broader Labasa region.
SSP Baledrokadroka mentioned that there have been 24 incidents of unlawful possession recorded in the greater Labasa area, occurring in various locations including downtown, Subrail Park, the bus stand, and along the Labasa tramline, attributed to officers conducting beat patrols and information provided by the public.
He acknowledged that the consistent sharing of information from community members has been instrumental and expressed gratitude for the public’s support in the fight against drugs.