‘Police lack expertise, equipment to detect invisible drugs’

The Police lack the expertise or electronic devices to detect illicit drugs that are invisible to the naked eye.

This revelation came to light at the Bua Provincial Council meeting in Nabouwalu yesterday.

Divisional Police Commander North, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemueli Baledrokadroka, highlighted the need to establish a K9 dog unit in Bua.

SSP Baledrokadroka emphasised that a collaborative approach was essential in combating illicit drugs.

North border neglected

He added that there was a time when protecting the Vanua Levu border against drugs was neglected.

“I will not conceal anything today. There is a need to have K9s here because we lack the expertise or electronic devices to detect illicit drugs that normal human beings cannot see,” SSP Baledrokadroka said.

“Now, the idea is to have K9s here. A few years ago, we had one, but now we need a location. Previously, we had one set up in Vaturekuka, but all the dogs died. We don’t know how they died, but when they were alive, they effectively served the entire Vanua Levu.”

He stressed the importance of collaboration.

“A few months ago, some people from Suva attempted to set up a methamphetamine base here, but they were unsuccessful. We need to work together—the church, vanua, and the Government,” SSP Baledrokadroka said.

“For a long time, the Government was solely responsible, but it cannot handle this alone. We plan to establish a facility in Savusavu, funded by the New Zealand Police, and discussions with iTaukei Land Trust Board are underway to secure land.”

He added that the facility would be set up behind the Savusavu Police Station.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, acknowledged the efforts of the Police.

“It appears their efforts is not enough. The problem is in our streets. outside nightclubs, you will find syringes, and Police efforts alone may not suffice. We need a nationwide effort.”

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