3 students have been allegedly found with substances believed to be methamphetamine and marijuana in two schools.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu says the first incident was reported at the Raiwaqa Police Station involving a 17-year-old student who was allegedly found with white substances believed to be methamphetamine and the second was reported at the Lautoka Police Station, involving two students both aged 16-years-old after they were found with dried leaves believed to be marijuana.
ACP Driu further says the incidents were reported by their teachers, adding the discovery of illicit substances in the possession on students, should be a concern to all.
He says as investigations continue, arrests were also made this past week for unlawful possession and cultivation throughout the country.
Driu further says in Lautoka a 24-year-old man and 35-year-old woman were arrested following the discovery of white crystals believed to be methamphetamine.
He says in the Eastern Division, a 30-year-old farmer and a 28-year-old woman were arrested after they were found with dried leaves believed to be marijuana in two separate arrests.
The Commander Operations further says the Eastern Division task force whilst pursuing a tip, intercepted a vehicle where bundles of dried branches believed to be marijuana were found in their possession. The three occupants of the car were taken into custody.
In Labasa, two women and a 24-year old man were arrested after they were found with dried leaves and seeds believed to be marijuana, while a man and an 18-year old woman were arrested by Savusavu Police following two separate cases of unlawful possession of illicit drugs believed to be marijuana.
In Nadi a 49-year-old man was arrested with several small plastic bags containing dried leaves believed to be marijuana and more than $1,000 cash believed to be proceeds of crime.
The head of the Fiji Police Operations says in line with the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking theme, Understanding and Sharing Facts on Drugs, Save Lives, it is imperative to talk to children about the consequences of the illicit drug trade on their young lives.
ACP/O Driu adds while authorities are doing their best in tackling the illicit drug trade, community support in talking about its harmful impacts and the sharing of information with police will greatly assist ongoing efforts in curbing incidents.
