Call for Stringent Action to Eradicate Drug Trade

Labasa chief Ratu Jone Qomate is calling for more stringent partnership between the people of the North and law enforcement agencies in the fight against illicit drug trade.

Ratu Jone made the call after 10 people in Labasa were arrested by Police in the past couple of weeks for their alleged involvement in the trade. “I am not shocked and I think the numbers are low because more people are into this trade,” he claimed.

“When I say more needs be done, this means Police must follow leads to arrest. Every dealer must have at least 10 contacts buying these illicit drugs from them.”

Ratu Jone said this would help relevant stakeholders to arrest a whole lot people and wipe off any traces of this trade, once and for all. He urges members of the public to report individuals who are involved in the trade.

Meanwhile, Labasa Taxi Association general secretary Sujit Sharma cautioned members of their association to keep a close tab on people using public service vehicles (PSV) to transport illicit drugs.

Mr Sharma said they had previously referred some drivers to Police on suspicious grounds of drug transportation.

In recent Police drug raid, the Divisional Task Force arrested five men for being allegedly involved in drug related activities.

Out of the five arrests, four were youths aged below 35 years.

The other was a 40-year-old man.

Police said the Labasa Market vicinity and Labasa Bus Station had been identified as hubs for illicit drug peddling.

Chief operations officer Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, (A/ACP) Livai Driu, said similar arrests were being made in other divisions.