Drug abuse cases involve 8,903 school children in three years

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran says drug abuse does not discriminate.

During her recent visit to Labasa, she said it affects the young and old, rural and urban, rich and poor.

Moreover, she explained that drug abuse tears apart families, contributes to violence and crime and leaves a trail of pain that was often invisible but deeply felt.

Sadly, she added that everyone is vulnerable especially when dealing with challenging situations, stressful times it’s easy to reach out to readily available drugs.

“First cases of methamphetamine were reported in 2009 and within 12 years it had taken root in our communities and villages,” Ms Kiran said.

“Coalition Government has not only acknowledged the problem but has acted swiftly resulting in multiple arrests and drug haul costing millions.”

She said the root of the problem was money and too many people were getting tempted by cash.

“They have lost the moral compass on how drugs could destroy our children, families and communities,” she said.

“Children are being used as drug mules and that for a little bit of extra cash, we are endangering the lives of our children, those vulnerable children we have the responsibility to protect.”

She said in some families all adults use drugs and expose their children as well.

She suggested people pause and revisit their values of community and nation and stand for integrity and responsibility over materialism.

She further stated that data from the Substance Abuse Advisory Council indicated drug abuse cases involving school aged children reached a total of 8,903 students in the past three years.

“This troubling trend gives rise in premature school dropouts resulting in the education of our future generation becoming a casualty of addiction, breaking cycles of hope,” she said.

“Sadly, we also see violence against our elders as addicts try and use their vulnerability to extort cash for drug access.”

In addition to that she explained that crime was not specific to a location or a country.

“Horrendous crime is committed around the world and in Fiji we see now drug influencing severity of crime sadly against family members, elders, our children,” she added.