Drug peddling, Theft rife
The Labasa municipal market is one of the crime prone areas in Macuata Province.
This was revealed during a presentation by Inspector Lalit Chand to the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, at the Labasa Police Station.
The station regularly deals with cases related to drug peddling and theft in this trade area.
Senior Superintendent of Police Viliame Soko said the market’s location made it easy for criminals to engage in illegal activities.
Although the market has CCTV cameras installed, connectivity issues make it difficult for the police to access the footage.
The market is controlled by the Labasa Town Council, and continuous monitoring by the police was a challenge.
To address this, the police plan to install its own CCTV cameras to curb illegal activities in the market.
LTC special administrator Doreen Robinson said they were receiving reports about drug peddlers carrying illegal activities in the market and many have been arrested by Labasa police officers.
“We are working with the Fiji Police Force and hope for public support in our effort,” Ms Robinson said.
“Market vendors must carry out their business in good faith and do not indulge into illegal activities.”
In addition to the municipal market, other crimeprone areas in Labasa include Tabia, Qelewaqa, Namara, Cawaira, Tabucola, Vatudova, Dreketilailai, Vunika, and Soasoa, where theft, drugs, burglary, sexual offenses, and assault causing actual bodily harm are prevalent.
Minister Tikoduadua emphasised the need to take action to address these issues, as they not only affect property and money but also posed a threat to public safety.