Divorce and broken families are the leading causes of young adults taking drugs, according to consultant Inspector Jemesa Lave.
“When fathers are absent and families are broken, young people are more vulnerable,” he said.
Apart from this, IP Lave said, some children were being used to sell drugs.
“Children as young as 14 cannot legally sell drugs. In other countries, adults are punished for using children in drug crimes.”
He said a lot were exposed to drugs at a much younger age.Bua women’s rep Mereoni Taginadavui said the problem started at home.
“If parents do not guide their children, we risk losing the next generation to harmful influences.”
Ms Taginadavui said social media and peer pressure made it harder for parents to teach values.
“Schools cannot do it alone. Communities must help guide and mentor children.”
She urged parents to lead by example and called on authorities to improve border security.
