3,500 cases of drugs including 4 cases of meth in schools recorded last year

With the increasing concern of drugs being found in schools nowadays, including methamphetamine, the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council is hoping that spot checks will become mandatory in all schools to safeguard the lives of teachers and students from drugs.

While speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan on the topic of drugs found in schools, the Acting Director of the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council, Josua Naisele says last year was the first time for them to receive a report about meth found in schools, and there were 4 cases, all from secondary schools.

He says in previous years, they only received reports of marijuana, and it's a concern if students are using these drugs in schools.

Naisele says some schools are doing spot checks, but not all schools.

When questioned if spot checks should be in schools, Naisele says they are thinking of coming up with a policy to safeguard the teachers.

When asked about the situation of drugs in schools, the Acting Director says that in 2021, they recorded 2,300 cases, in 2022, it was 2,700 cases, and in 2023, it increased to 3,500.

He says the concern is the increase that has been occurring, and one of the trends they are seeing here is the increased use of marijuana amongst females.

He adds they have also had reports of primary school students using marijuana.

You can watch the full Straight Talk interview below.