Four men are scheduled to appear at the Magistrates Court in Labasa tomorrow, facing allegations of stealing yaqona from farms and a market in Vanua Levu. According to police reports, two of the accused are 18 years old, while the other two are in their 20s and 30s. This case is part of a larger investigation involving a special taskforce that was formed to address rising concerns over yaqona theft within the Northern Division.
The accused individuals are under investigation for four separate cases of yaqona theft, which occurred in Viriqilai, Korotari, and the Labasa Market. In addition to these charges, they are also said to be implicated in similar thefts that have taken place in the Nabouwalu and Savusavu areas.
This situation comes in the context of ongoing crime concerns in the region, as highlighted recently by reports of a juvenile and two men facing similar charges for a string of burglaries that took place from December 5 to December 31, 2024, in the Labasa area. The offenses not only involved property theft but also included alarming incidents of threats against individuals.
While these recent developments may raise fears within the community, they also highlight the proactive steps being taken by law enforcement to combat crime. There is hope that these legal proceedings will reinforce community safety, deter future criminal activities, and foster a stronger sense of security among residents, ultimately supporting a commitment to law and order in the region.
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