Leweniqila Calls for Drug Assessment in Macuata

Law enforcement agencies need to carry out a thorough assessment to determine which locations, provinces, or areas are reporting drug-related cases, says Sireli Leweniqila.

Mr Leweniqila is a representative from Udu district at the Macuata Provincial Council meeting at Sasa Village outside Labasa Town yesterday.

Mr Leweniqila, who is also the former chairperson of the Macuata Provincial Council and a Fijian politician, said there were villages and settlements where people have never seen or been involved with drugs.

“I understand that villages and settlements closer to towns or cities have more access to information about drugs, which may make people both victims and perpetrators,” Mr Leweniqila said.

Assessment needed

He added that once the assessment is completed, law enforcement should visit these areas and collaborate with traditional leaders to address the drug issue, as the situation may differ from village to village depending on location.

He also stressed that those found guilty by the courts for drug possession, consumption, or trafficking should face serious punishment to deter others from getting involved.

“Small villages and settlements are easier to control under the leadership of traditional leaders. However, when children move to main towns or cities for work or study, they become exposed to drugs, and some may make poor decisions in pursuit of easy money,” he said.

“Drugs like methamphetamine are a global concern, and while Fiji is a small country, it is not spared,” Mr Leweniqila said.

“Border control, both land and sea, must be strengthened for the sake of our future generations.”

He concluded by noting that while Fiji is known as the ‘Friendly Islands,’ both the government and law enforcement agencies must implement stricter laws to ensure that offenders understand that the consequences of drug-related crimes are not ‘friendly.’

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