Kadavu chiefs call for stronger Police presence as marijuana cultivation and meth concerns grow
Kadavu chiefs are calling on the Government to strengthen police operations on the island, warning that reduced drug raids, the growing flow of methamphetamine and limited police resources are allowing illegal drug activities to escalate.
Speaking to fijivillage News following the Kadavu Provincial Council meeting, Turaga na Tui Yale, Ratu Navitalai Litidamu says one of the biggest concerns raised by chiefs was that Kadavu continues to be known for marijuana cultivation, while Police raids have become less frequent.
He says the chiefs are urging the Government to review police operations in Kadavu and resume regular raids to reduce the number of marijuana plantations.
Ratu Navitalai says another growing concern is the increasing movement of methamphetamine into the island.
He says while Police closely inspect boats arriving in Suva from Kadavu for marijuana, there are no similar inspections on boats travelling to Kadavu, allowing illegal drugs to reach the island.
He believes this is not only affecting Kadavu but many maritime islands.
The chief also raised concerns over the Government's proposed laws that would allow assets suspected to have been purchased using proceeds from drug sales, including houses, boats and outboard engines, to be seized.
Ratu Navitalai says the Kadavu Provincial Council fully supports the Government's efforts to eradicate marijuana but is calling for proper consultation and a vakavanua approach when enforcing the law in villages to avoid unnecessary conflict.
He says the chiefs are also encouraging villagers to pursue alternative sources of income, particularly yaqona farming, instead of relying on marijuana cultivation.
Ratu Navitalai says the high demand for marijuana in Suva continues to drive production in Kadavu, adding that if there was no demand, there would be no reason to supply it.
He also highlighted concerns that Police officers do not have enough fuel and resources to regularly patrol villages and known drug hotspot areas.
Ratu Navitalai says Police used to visit villages almost every month, but those visits have become less frequent, and people involved in marijuana cultivation are aware of the reduced police presence.
He is calling on the Government to increase funding for Police operations and consider stationing officers in villages, with communities prepared to provide accommodation while the Government supplies fuel and operational support.
Ratu Navitalai says having Police permanently based in villages would discourage marijuana cultivation and help improve community safety.
He also stresses that villages do not have the legal authority to remove people involved in drugs because there are no village by-laws allowing them to do so, and criminal matters remain the responsibility of the Fiji Police Force.
Despite this, he says village leaders continue to hold regular meetings to educate and discourage people from planting marijuana, but admits the quick financial returns from the illegal trade remains a major challenge.
