Drinking in public places is a crime: Inspector Qio

The Fiji Police Force is advising people of the North to refrain from drinking on tramlines.

Fiji Police spokesperson Inspector Jokatama Qio said drinking in public places was a crime. “The tramline for many people is like a picnic spot and a place for meeting, they should stop doing this as it is against the law,” Inspector Qio said. “Drinking on the tramline is like drinking in the middle of the road.

“Recently in Fiji there has been an increase of incidents of persons drinking alcohol in public places at all times of the day and night, especially on weekends, leading to disorderly behaviour and potential ensuing criminal activities including break ins and drug use.”

Early this year Sunia Mateiwai, a 42-year-old was crushed by a locomotive.

“People need to be cautioned about where they can drink,” he said.

“Past years, people have died because they were too drunk to reach home and they fell asleep on the tramline,” he said.

He said the Police are conducting awareness programmes in the Northern Division.

“The awareness cover crimes such as drinking in public places, sexual offences, crime against women and children, drugs and other common offences of concern not only throughout the country, but particularly in the North.” Inspector Qio said if people were found drinking at public places they would be arrested. “Over the years the Police in the North have been arresting people for drinking in public places,” he said.

“The Police will be making rounds to the tramline; people found there will be arrested.” Inspector Qio said people needed to be extra careful during this festive season.