Parents to Monitor Children Activities

The Fiji Police Force is calling on parents to be vigilant about their children’s activities and strictly monitor who they are spending their time with.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACP) Livai Driu made the call following concerns about the involvement of juveniles in drug related activities, and the potential to be used as peddlers/pushers.

ACP Driu said as the focus intensifies on known drug suppliers and distributors, children could be targeted to sell drugs as they would be considered to be unlikely suspects.

He adds intervention measures such as being fully aware of children’s activities and their group of friends, to picking up a change in behavior and friends could assist in keeping children from getting involved in the illicit drug trade.

ACP Driu said recent arrests indicate a shift in peddling areas to popular spots frequented by juveniles and youths, adding the arrests for unlawful possession of illicit drugs involving children is highly linked to children being targeted by suppliers.

The Assistant Commissioner for Operations says that while some children may be lured by the opportunity to earn money, the message that needs to be reiterated is the long term consequences on their education and future.

ACP Driu assures members of the public that concerted efforts are being made throughout the five policing divisions in curbing drugs, and this is testament to the increase in drug related offences during the month of July.

He adds collaborative efforts between Police and other stakeholders such as the Fiji Detector Dog Unit, has led to a number of arrests and seizures of drugs ready for distribution over the past few days.

ACP Driu is pleading with parents and guardians to continue talking to their children about the devastating impacts drugs will have on their young lives, their family, and future.

Photo: K9 capabilities and support of the joint Police and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service Fiji Detector Dog Unit has seen an increase in cases of Unlawful Possession of illicit drugs.