56 PSV Drivers Charged for Being In Possession of Drugs

Last year, the Fiji Police Force arrested and prosecuted 56 Public Service Vehicles (PSV) drivers and owners on charges of drug possession.

Ten offenders on the list are from the Northern Division.

Director Traffic Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana highlighted this during the Land Transport Authority’s public consultation at Labasa Civic Centre yesterday.

“The consultation is also helping police create awareness among the general public about the effects of drugs while driving,” he said.

“Drugs and driving, just like alcohol, don’t work together.”

Police arrested eight PSV drivers in possession of narcotics in January this year.

Fiji Police Force officer in charge of Police Accident Traffic Research Unit Rakeshini Sharma and Director Traffic Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana during the Land Transport Authority’s public consultation at Labasa Civic Centre on February 4, 2024. Photo: Jone Salusalu

He said drivers must always consider the lives of passengers and basic road rules because it takes minimum effort to save them from prosecution and even death.

“If you drink and drive, or take drugs and drugs, stay home,” Mr Sharma said.

“That number from the police, 10 offenders—that’s big for a small place like Vanua Levu. I urge all PSV drivers to please obey the law because if you can’t, stay home.

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj