Residents in Nasinu are raising alarm over the growing issue of children openly sniffing glue and drugs being openly sold in their neighbourhoods.
Speaking during the Counter Narcotics Law consultation in Nasinu, Manikoso Settlement resident Margaret Bennion highlights the growing problem of substance abuse among young children.
She says she has personally seen children as young as 12 sniffing glue right in front of her.
Bennion says she was so disturbed by the situation that she took the glue from the children and burnt it in front of them.
She stresses that stronger laws and stricter enforcement would help communities like hers protect children more effectively.
She also calls for a review of children’s rights legislation, sharing an incident where a mother was charged with disciplining her daughter after the child spoke disrespectfully to her grandmother.
Bennion questions why parents are being taken to court for disciplining their children, and urges the government to take greater responsibility in safeguarding children’s wellbeing.
Another resident, Mohammed Asim from River Road, Narere, supports the need for enforcement of laws under the proposed bill.
He says parents are now struggling to discipline their children, with some children even threatening to call the police on them.
Asim also raises alarm about the open sale of drugs in his area and says glue sniffing is common.
He notes that while people appear normal when not using the substance, it clearly affects their mental state and behaviour when they are.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Policing Consultant Biu Matavou explains that glue is not classified under the schedule of the Illicit Drug Control Act, which lists all illegal drugs in Fiji.
He says discussions are ongoing on how authorities can better respond to glue abuse, but police action is currently limited unless the substance use results in violence or criminal activity.
Asim adds that there should be a legislation to allow medical professionals to regulate and control access to such substances, pointing out that not everyone misuses them.
Meanwhile, public consultations on the Counter Narcotics Bill will be held tomorrow from 9am to 12pm at the Lautoka Civic Centre, and from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at the Ba Civic Centre.
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