Increase in drug trafficking

INCREASING incidences of drug trafficking in Vanua Levu has compelled a joint operation between the military and police, with teams deployed to hotspot areas.

Yesterday President Jioji Konrote asked the military and police to work together in combating increasing cases of drug trafficking.

He made the comment during a briefing at the Sukanaivalu Barracks in Labasa.

Mr Konrote was informed that the cultivation of drugs had spread to new areas, away from well-known hotspot areas.

He was also informed that those cultivating drugs supplied to customers in Labasa.

Divisional police commander North, Senior Superintendent of Police Eparama Waqa said drug cultivation had moved away from popular Tunuloa area and moved towards Navatu and Natewa.

Soldiers also informed Mr Konrote that drug cultivation on Taveuni covered areas from the south to the north end of the island.

Currently, there’s a team on Taveuni conducting drug raids in suspected areas.

In thanking law enforcers for their duties towards keeping a safe and secured environment, Mr Konrote pleaded that they worked together.

He also asked them about the monitoring of yachts.

Soldiers informed Mr Konrote that the upper Udu Point area needed attention which was why they had worked with village headmen.

“This is where community policing comes in and our outreach program to ensure we have a network with communities,” he said.