‘Obey the Law, or Leave’

Obey the law or move out!

That’s the stern warning from the Vanua o Navo in Nadi to those involved in illicit drug dealing on their land.

Residents allegedly engaging in illegal activities now face eviction as landowners refuse to let their ancestral lands become a hub for crime.

Dratabu Village headman Iliesa Ranitu said the vanua was outraged that certain homes in Vunayasi, Nadi, were allegedly linked to the illicit drug trade. Police have marked the area as a red zone.

“We cannot allow this anymore,” Mr Ranitu said.

“Cars come and go at all hours, and residents witness drug deals happening in broad daylight.

“We have made it clear, if you are selling drugs, you will be removed. That decision will not change.”

Mataqali o Nadala head Anaisi Naulu Dawai, is ashamed that her family’s land was harbouring suspected drug dealers, and personally delivered eviction notices to multiple households.

“My family’s name has been shamed by what is happening here,” Ms Dawai said.

“We have already issued 30-day notices to two households, and six more will soon receive their eviction orders.”

Anil Kumar, 56, in front of his partly demolished home in Vunayasi, Nadi. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

For Anil Kumar, 56, who lived in the area for 33 years, said the eviction notice came as a shock.

He claimed to have bought three blocks of land decades ago for $2000 each.

“We built our homes here, and now they’re telling us to leave,” he said.

“At first, they gave us seven days, then extended it to 30. They even threatened to fence off our property if we didn’t comply.”

His neighbour, Nitya Reddy, a father of seven, also received a 30-day notice and has reluctantly agreed to vacate.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that the matter was considered a civil land dispute.

However, the Vanua o Navo remains firm, saying suspected criminals has no place on their land.

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