Several arrests were conducted by Police this past week for unlawful possession and cultivation of illicit drugs, including three students, who were allegedly found in possession of illicit drugs within their school premises.
The three students include a 17-year-old student from Suva and two 16-year-old students from Lautoka.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACP/O) Livai Driu says the first incident was reported at the Raiwaqa Police Station, where the 17-year-old student, was allegedly found with white substances believed to be methamphetamine.
The second incident was reported at the Lautoka Police Station, involving the two 16-years-old students, after they were found with dried leaves believed to be marijuana.
ACP Driu says the incidents were reported by their teachers, adding that the discovery of illicit substances in the possession of students should be a concern to all.
Police say in Lautoka, a 24-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested following the discovery of white crystals believed to be methamphetamine.
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 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 are in 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 plastics containing dried leaves believed to be marijuana and more than $1,000 cash believed to be proceeds of crime.
ACP Driu 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.
He says 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.
He is also calling on parents to talk to their children about the consequences of getting involved in the illicit drug trade.
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