Authorities in Fiji are expressing concerns about the potential for methamphetamine-laced lollies from New Zealand to make their way to the islands. Josua Naisele, the Acting Director of the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council, has urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of purchasing sweets from street vendors, particularly those near school gates.
Naisele’s warnings came during a speech at the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji Western Women’s Conference held in Lautoka. He highlighted an incident in New Zealand where up to 400 individuals may have received lollies tainted with methamphetamine, which were distributed anonymously to a charity group in sealed packaging.
“New Zealand isn’t very far from Fiji. The children there received these lollies without knowing they contained meth,” Naisele stated. He emphasized the importance of vigilance, noting that similar incidents have occurred internationally, which raises alarm for Fiji’s situation.
“This development is alarming, especially since many children enjoy sweets. We hope and pray that this does not come to Fiji,” he added. Naisele advised parents to be cautious when giving their children money for snacks, urging them to discourage kids from buying from vendors near school entrances.