The chiefs of Kadavu are calling on authorities to ensure that inspections are carried out on cargo and passengers arriving at the Vunisea and Kavala jetties to prevent hard drugs from entering the island.
Speaking at the Kadavu Provincial Council meeting at the Civic Centre in Suva, one of the chiefs said hard drugs, including methamphetamine, have already made their way into Kadavu and are being used by young people.
He said cargo and passengers are routinely searched before departing from and upon arriving at the Suva Wharf on vessels travelling to and from Kadavu. However, he claimed that similar inspections are not conducted when cargo is unloaded or when passengers arrive at the jetties in Kadavu.
The chief called on Police to also conduct checks on passengers as they disembark from ships before they travel around the island.
He said action must be taken now to safeguard future generations.
Deputy Divisional Police Commander Central, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isireli Ligairi, acknowledged the concern and said Police would take the issue into consideration.
While addressing the Council, ASP Ligairi told the chiefs they may have noticed that Operation Sasamaki is no longer being conducted as frequently because it has been suspended in Kadavu.
He said Police have now shifted their focus to maritime surveillance as part of the fight against drugs.
ASP Ligairi also said several laws are being reviewed, including the Police Act, the Illicit Drugs Control Act, and the Proceeds of Crime Act, to strengthen the country's legal framework in combating drugs.
He added that in the coming months, Police will also examine the income and assets of individuals to ensure their wealth has been acquired through legal means and is not the proceeds of marijuana cultivation or other criminal activity.
