What used to be hidden before is now just being done out in the open, from children walking around sniffing glue to the sale of marijuana and methamphetamine.
Nanuku Settlement resident Nanise Marama highlighted this to fijivillage News saying she has seen how the area in Vatuwaqa has changed for the worse in the 20 years she has lived there.
Marama says this is done openly now from the children, youth to adults, and these things never used to happen before.
She says children as young as 9 years old are walking around sniffing glue with some smoking cigarettes.
The Nanuku resident says from last year, the selling and use of marijuana in the settlement has skyrocketed.
Marama says the sale of marijuana is done right out in the open at the entrance to the settlement where they hang out next to the shop.
Many residents are scared to pass this area as they fear getting attacked and robbed.
She says the people involved in drugs can easily see Police approaching, and run away only to regroup later.
She says the sale and use of methamphetamine is done from within the settlement and they can see the empty syringes and used needles on the roadside in the mornings.
When asked if Police have come to talk to the youth, Marama says it just goes in one ear and out the other. We are in the process of contacting Police on what is their plan to deal with the serious situation in Nanuku Settlement.
