Empty Syringes Found Among Hibiscus Trash: PM

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging school communities and parents to join forces with Government in the fight against drugs.

His urgency follows the post clean up at the Miss Hibiscus Festival, which revealed disturbing evidence of empty syringes.

Speaking at the Ratu Kadavulevu School 100-year anniversary at the Albert Park in Suva yesterday, Mr Rabuka said it was a disappointment when his staff returned with negative feedback.

“As I went to Communion Service at Butt Street, Wesley Church, I asked my staff to check again with the city cleaners – and sure enough, they sent me a picture of a pile of rubbish that included a syringe used for intravenous injection of substances,” Mr Rabuka said.

“The need for communities to unite in combating the drug problem is crucial, as it is affecting the younger generation.”

Mr Rabuka said the fight against drugs must start with parents, then schools, religious organisations and communities.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Operation, Livai Driu said although they didn’t make any arrests at the festival last week, they made a few around the Suva area and suburbs.

“Used syringes were found at certain areas within Suva; however, we cannot arrest people for possession of empty and used syringes since it’s not an offence - it’s silent on our laws and legislation unless we rectify and review our legislation,” ACP Driu said.

“Our Police operations focus on liquor related offences, theft, drugs, property offences on which we managed.

“The festival wasn’t the only place we monitored; we had the whole of Suva to look after.”

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