Mixed lollies containing methamphetamine, recently found in New Zealand, could possibly reach Fiji, cautioned Josua Naisele, Acting Director of the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council. He emphasized the importance of parents advising their children against purchasing items from vendors near school gates, as children are often drawn to sweets.
Naisele made these remarks during the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji Western Women’s Conference in Lautoka. According to New Zealand police, up to 400 individuals may have consumed the lollies, which were anonymously donated in sealed packaging to a charity.
“New Zealand is not far from Fiji. The children there received these lollies without knowing that they contained meth,” Naisele stated. He expressed concerns over the potential for similar incidents in Fiji since methamphetamine is present in the country as well.
“What could happen is that someone could mix meth with lollies and sell them. It’s crucial for parents, particularly mothers, to be vigilant about this issue,” he added. He warned that this dangerous trend could pose risks to children who enjoy sweets.
“We hope and pray that this situation does not come to Fiji,” he remarked, advising parents to be cautious when giving their children money to buy food from school canteens or nearby vendors. “Remind your children not to buy anything from individuals near the school gate.”