Drug activity risks lease termination

The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has warned residential leaseholders that involvement in illicit drug activities could lead to lease termination and eviction.

TLTB chief executive officer Solomone Nata said all leases strictly prohibited unlawful activities on leased land and any breach could result in firm action.

“The leases prohibit unlawful activities on the leased land, and this can result in lease termination and eviction,” Mr Nata said.

He said cases involving criminal activity would also be reported to Police for investigation and prosecution where appropriate.

As Fiji continues to grapple with drug-related issues, traditional leaders in some areas have begun enforcing stricter village by-laws to curb drug activity.

In the Western Division, several traditional leaders and village headmen are working with Police and have issued strong warnings that villagers found involved in illicit drug dealing could be evicted from their villages.

In some cases, alleged drug dealers have already been removed from village land.

Following last week’s drug bust at Vatia waters, Vatutavui village headman Niko Sucuvakaivalu raised concerns about people living near the Vatia wharf who were not from the village and may be involved in the drug trade.

He told the Bose ni Tikina that anyone found operating drug-related activities on village land should be removed.

Mr Sucuvakaivalu said strong laws needed to be enforced to deter people from engaging in drug-related activities.

Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu said work was under way on proposed village by-laws raised by traditional leaders.

“I cannot comment in detail at this time. We are working to ensure any new by-laws do not conflict with existing laws,” Mr Vasu said.