Grieving Mother Warns Against Illicit Drugs After Losing Son

Stay away from drugs, it will kill you.

That’s the heartfelt plea from grieving mother Melesi Ratoto, who lost her 26-year-old son, Ratunaisa Noeh Bill Vatunaruku, to complications from excessive illicit drug abuse barely a fortnight ago.

Ms Ratoto buried her son in Votualevu, Nadi last Wednesday.

Determined not to suffer in silence, this mother is now speaking out as an advocate against illicit drugs, hoping to save others from the same fate.

According to medical advice, doctors informed Ms Ratoto that her son’s excessive intake of illicit substances had damaged his internal organs.

“They told me his kidneys and liver were damaged, his organs were destroyed by excessive drug use,” she said.

“Before you find yourself trapped with no way out like my son, please flee from drugs and avoid the places or friends that lead to death,” Ms

Ratoto urged, her voice heavy with emotion.

Having witnessed the devastating effects of hard drugs on her son, she bravely shared her experiences.

He husband died two years ago leaving her the daunting challenge of raising their children alone.

“Despite all the love and advice I gave Naisa, he chose his own path. He was a child who constantly tested my love and patience,” Ms Ratoto said.

“I often wondered what I did wrong that led him to criminal activities and drugs. No matter where he went, I never stopped praying for him, until the day he came home sick.”

Ms Ratoto detailed the toll drugs took on her son’s life, recalling how family members told her he was using needles to escape his pain.

“He would do things that weren’t normal-walking out of the room without clothes, lost in his own world. He’d sleep for days, leaving me worried. At times, we had to call the Police because of his behaviour. We were scared.”

She recounted the heart-wrenching moment when Police took her son when he fell critically ill.

“I had to rush to get him out, but he was in dire condition.

“When I took him to the hospital, he couldn’t even speak.

“I cried seeing my son like that. Losing a son to drugs is an unimaginable pain.

“God has His plans, and perhaps this can serve as a testimony to youths and anyone tempted by hard drugs. Please, before you get entangled, don’t take that path.

“Run away from places or friends that lead to death.”

Relatives at the funeral shared that the service was focused on raising awareness among parents and guardians about keeping their children safe.

Last week, the Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran revealed that while visiting wheelbarrow boys in Nadi, she was informed that eight wheel-barrow boys had died of alleged drug overdose this year.

“They have agreed to have a few consultations and training to help them with de-addiction, financial literacy and reintegration into work life,” Ms Kiran said.

“There are also suggestions of working in a co-operative.

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports is committed in working with these young men to find a better life.

“We will continue to consult and support those living on the streets find a better life.”

DR LUISA CIKAMATANA

Ministry of Health’s chief medical advisor Dr Luisa Cikamatana said this was the reality in Fiji.

While she didn’t have specific statistics on young deaths linked to illicit substance abuse, she emphasised the significant risks posed when such substances enter a person’s bloodstream.

“They can introduce harmful poisons or bacteria which are very dangerous,” Dr Cikamatana said.

She said when people mix drugs, the unknown combinations could lead to seizures and behavioural issues, complicating diagnoses.

“We must thoroughly assess each case during physical examinations, looking beyond the usual causes.

“When patients come in, we conduct tests to identify the toxins in their blood, relying heavily on our medical history and physical exams.”

Dr Cikamatana also expressed concern about the rising cases of HIV and other infectious diseases associated with drug use.

“There is an anti-narcotics strategy in place, and the focus now is on implementing measures to reduce the supply of drugs. Our approach centers on harm reduction as part of this effort.”