Claims of illegal acts
Brawls, illegal drug dealings and crime rife in settlement, says resident
SOME residents of Vunato settlement claim drug dealing, brawls and criminal activity is rife in the Lautoka informal community.
Lawrence O’Neill said issues needed to be highlighted because young children were being exposed to people openly taking drugs and were at risk.
“There are men smoking drugs and drinking alcohol in the settlement and I have called the Lautoka police a few times, but there was no response at all,” he claimed.
“The sad part of this is that kids are exposed to these things and it is so concerning to see them going through this at a very young age.
“Something really needs to be done and we really hope police will step in to look at our concerns.”
Mr O’Neill claimed there were incidents where men bashed each other up during drinking parties and children were always the first to rush in to see what was going on.
He said he had asked settlement elders to address the issue.
“We really need police to step up their game and do something.
“Vunato settlement is in danger because of people who do not care about the lives of others.”
Police spokesman Wame Bautolu said even though no official complaint was lodged by Mr O’Neill, police continued to visit the area on a daily basis in terms of patrolling or through community policing awareness.
“A few people have been taken in, questioned, few released and a few have been charged for illegal activities.
“We are also visiting other settlements and villages around Lautoka with an aim of eliminating criminal activities,” Mr Bautolu said.