Residents Plead for More Police Presence After Meth Bust

Fearful residents of Malawai and Votualevu in Nadi want a community police post erected in the area to combat rising criminal activities.

Their plea to the Fiji Police Force comes in the wake of the countries biggest drug bust so far in Nadi, and part of the illicit drugs were allegedly found last month at Kava King, a kava bar in Votualevu.

The Kava Bar is owned by Jale Aukerea, a businessman who is also among the 14 people charged in relation to the meth drug bust. The Kava Kings shop is located near the Malawai Housing Estate in Votualevu.

Malawai resident Suraj Prabha said there was a need for constant police presence in their area.

“A lot of things are happening around here, and we are really scared because more young people are taking drugs, and they can do things they are not mindful of,” she said.

“Police patrols are good, but there is a need for them to be here more often.

“Last year, a Japanese Free Institute student who lives with us was robbed on the road. He was badly injured.”

Another resident, Makelesi Nawai, said the concern was for the safety of their children.

“We don’t want our children to be involved in drugs. We worried about the safety of our young girls. For a long time, we have been requesting a police post here in Votualevu,” she said.

Former Nadi Town Council special administration chair Lawrence Kumar, who is also a resident of Votualevu, said a police post would assist in combating the rise of criminal activities in the area.

“We can and should do so to safeguard our people’s health and wellbeing,” Mr Kumar said.

“We have a plea to the Fiji Police

Force to assist us in policing in the area.

“The population is high, but there is no police post.

“Having one shall ensure public safety.”

He said the discovery of methamphetamine at home was staggering, with grave concerns.

“We are far from eradicating the drug problem in our neighbourhood,” he said.

“Together with residents in our various neighbourhood zones, we must be more vigilant.

“If we are ever going to win the war against drugs, we have to work together; otherwise, it’s doomed to fail.”

Mr Kumar and other residents have also raised their concerns about the increasing number of illegal criminal activities happening around their area.

Last year, a Japanese Free Institute student who lives with us was robbed on the road. He was badly injured. Suraj Prabha Malawai resident