A Police description about a man found floating near the Rewa Bridge has left his family members devastated.

Josateki Loseni’s family members believed it was his alleged addiction with sniffing glue that could have killed him.

The 24-year-old victim was found afloat near the bridge and his right hand was said to be holding onto a can of glue upon discovery.

His aunt, Selina Kedavata, claimed Mr Loseni had been sniffing glue for a long time.

“He thought it was his only way out of trouble,” she said.

“We have been telling him to stop because it will only destroy his life and it did.”

Ms Kedavata said the battle with the so-called ‘killer’ started when Loseni’s parents separated.

She said Mr Loseni was an introvert who liked to keep things to himself.

“Sometimes I had to carry him off the floor because he was high,” she claimed.

“We all spoke and suggested places where he could get help, but he refused advice.”

She said Mr Loseni would sell vegetables to buy glue. He was about to start a family before his demise.

His father was too emotional to comment.

The family is awaiting the post mortem examination result to ascertain the official cause of his death.

Call for stronger laws

Ms Kedavata has called on relevant authorities to look into rules and regulations regarding the sale of glue in retailers across the country.

She suggested that there should be stronger laws when it comes to selling glue, especially to those below the age of 18.

Police investigations continue.

Feedback:  josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj