Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
6 April, 2026, 6:49 am
Central - 26°C Rain
6 April, 2026, 6:49 am Central - 26°C Rain

Issues of students found with drugs to be dealt with heavy-handedly – Gavoka

Issues of students found with drugs to be dealt with heavy-handedly – Gavoka

By Mosese Raqio , Alipate Narawa
12/03/2024
Deputy PM and Education Minister Viliame Gavoka [Image: Parliament of the Republic of Fiji]

We may have to do some things that are a bit too heavy-handed which people may question to deal with issues of students found in possession of drugs and on school premises.

This was highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education Viliame Gavoka when asked by fijivillage News on what the Ministry is doing to address the issue of students found in possession of drugs.

Gavoka says this is now quite a serious issue and they need to get to the bottom of this.

Two 17-year-old students were allegedly found with cocaine and marijuana on the school premises last week in Lautoka and Nausori.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka earlier said that it is a concern not only for schools but also for the nation.

He says a few years ago in Parliament, the opposition raised a question on whether there should be a National Inquiry to combat drugs, which was not taken up by the government at the time.

The Prime Minister says they now have the opportunity to look at it again after discovering those big drug busts in the West.

Rabuka says spot checks should be allowed at schools by checking students’ bags, and he also says we should look at drug tests as well.

Click here for stories on the Drugs Situation in Fiji

FEATURE NEWS
Category 1 TC Vaianu forms 650km Northwest of Viti Levu, flash flood alert remains
Tropical Depression 11F has intensified and has now been upgraded to a tropical cyclone, officially named Tropical Cyclone Vaianu.The Category 1 syste...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
2 evacuation centres have been opened to assist affected families
After the recent heavy rain being experienced over the weekend, two evacuation centres have been opened to assist affected families by the Fiji ...
12 hours ago

Adi Tulia and Hereniko to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk at 7pm Wednesday
Writer and filmmaker from Ra, Adi Tulia Nacola and Rotuma's first and only playwright, award-winning filmmaker and full professor, Vilsoni Hereniko ...
12 hours ago

Apple marks 50 years of innovation and global impact
Apple is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking decades of influence in shaping how people use technology in their daily lives. The company’s ...
13 hours ago

Every child needs one adult to trust and believe in them
As Fiji faces increasing challenges with drugs, HIV and non-communicable diseases among young people, every child needs at least one responsible ...
14 hours ago

NDRMO urges early preparedness as TD11F develops north of Fiji
The Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) is advising all Fijians to remain alert and begin early preparedness measures as Tropical ...
14 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH

Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
31 days ago

TOP