Vanua of Nawaka condemns the sale and use of drugs in Nadi

The Vanua of Nawaka in Nadi has strongly condemned the sale and use of drugs by the people of their community, and Tui Nawaka Ratu Joeli Bulu says they will not condone if any of their community members are using or selling drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine or other illicit substances in Nadi.

In December last year, the Assistant Commissioner of Police - Operations Livai Driu came out revealing that samples were taken from sewer lines in Kinoya, Nadi, and a few island nations in the Pacific noted that Fiji has topped the list in the Pacific region in terms of drug use.

He says after conducting tests in Australia, New Zealand and a few island nations, the researchers have confirmed that most hard drug users live in Nadi.

ACP Driu says drug-related domestic violence has spiked, while intravenous methamphetamine use has contributed to a historic rise in patients admitted to Fiji’s only psychiatric hospital as victims of substance abuse.

Speaking to fijivillage News, Tui Nawaka Ratu Joeli says their concern was raised during the Ba Provincial Council meeting, and the chiefs of Ba are aware of the concerning news.

He says they are working together with the Chiefs of Ba to eradicate the drug system in the Western Division.

He says even though they could not get to the bottom of eradicating the drug system, they are encouraging their youths and advising the heads of families in Fiji to be aware of the drug business in the country and advise their children on the outcome of drugs.