More Juvies Arrested for Drug-related offences

The Fiji Police Force is reiterating its plea to parents to constantly monitor and supervise their children during the school holidays.

The plea came after Police recorded an increasing number of children below the age of 18 who were found in possession of drugs.

Police Chief of Operations, Assistance Commissioner of Police (ACP) Livai Driu said according to their recent investigations, some of these children were being promised a large sum of money to deliver drugs to communities.

“Looking at the rate of the arrests we’ve made, we have the youngest below 18 is in procession of drugs. They must be used by drug dealers to help them transport drugs to places and communities,” he said.

“I just want to put it out there that this is illegal and if these children are arrested, I can assure them, this will affect their future.”

In a separate incident in Kadavu, a boy who was allegedly on drugs was charged for the death of his mother.

It is alleged that the two were involved in an argument, which prompted the boy to stab his mother with a pair of scissors multiple times.

ACP Driu said teenagers’ future would be affected if they had criminal records.

“The supervision of children needs to be paramount, especially to parents who plan to go out,” he said.

“No one is above the law. When we find those who are continuously engaging in these activities, they will be taken to task.”

Drowning 

Meanwhile, the staggering 58 cases of drowning recorded this year by Police has also left parents being warned against their negligence.

ACP Driu said this was an increase by seven cases from last year.

“More people will be going for picnics, they need to keep a look out for danger,” he said.

“Parents have been warned, if they see or feel like negligence over safety of their children have been found, they will be charged.”

Police warning children jumping from a bridge into the sea in Lami on December 26, 2023. Photo: Ronald Kumar

“This year, we have increased visibility and our crime rate from December 1 to 20, we’ve recorded 528 cases compared to last year, which was more. This was a decrease of eight per cent.”

ACP Driu said of the 528 cases, 333 cases had been detected, however, the rest were pending and under investigation.

He said the 1am closure of nightclubs helped reduce crime.

“The increased visibility has helped us in clearing away people to go back to their homes and away from the CBD which also lessens and decreases the overall crime rate,” he said.

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