The sale of loose cigarettes (tibi) is thriving around the kiosk areas at the Suva Municipal Market and Suva Bus Station.

A kiosk operator Avinesh Ram said the tibi-sellers would scatter when Police came to patrol and would reappear as soon as Police left.

He said the biggest issue for kiosk operators were people crowding around the kiosks and smoking.

He said this habit deterred customers from coming to the kiosk.

“I know that some of the people selling loose cigarettes are trying to make money but giving justification for doing something illegal does not make it right,” he said.

“Our concern is that if we abide by the law and do what is required of us, why are these people allowed to do something illegal?”

Mr Ram claimed that he has seen some tibi-sellers gang-up and rob people. He said it was a concern.

Another kiosk operator claimed that there were more than just loose cigarette rolls on sale. He claimed that he had seen some of the tibi-sellers sell what he suspected were marijuana wrapped in aluminum foil.

The Suva City Council enforcement teams and members of the Fiji Police Force often make trips to the kiosk areas.

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