Marketplaces have become a hotspot for the sale of marijuana.

Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar said some marketplaces had become problematic as they had been turned into lucrative selling grounds for drug peddlers.

“You already know of the case in Lautoka of a juice seller selling marijuana and because all kinds of drugs are easily available, the market is a place where people come so then it becomes the most lucrative place to sell such items.

“I think that is what has happened.”

Nadi Vendors Association president Lia Lawanimate said they were worried about the implications of having drug peddlers within their ranks.

“It’s a concern for us because we have to deal with it almost every week,” she said.

“We have women and some of them bring their young children to the market and it becomes a safety issue.

“The market is a place for people who don’t have a lot and come to make money for their families. “It shouldn’t be a place where criminals come and sell marijuana.”

She said a few vendor complaints had led to arrests. Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said several complaints from the market had led to arrests.

“Nadi police had made many arrests in relation to reports of marijuana sale at Nadi market area,” she claimed. “All the people arrested have been charged and produced in court.

“The latest arrest was last Monday (November 16) where police followed a man acting suspiciously from Nadi market to town where a search was conducted and he was found with six sachets of dried leaves confirmed to be marijuana.

“The 32-year-old unemployed man was charged and is appearing in court and the matter is pending in the court of law.” She said police presence at the market had also been beefed up.

Mrs Kumar said efforts were being made to ensure the issue was addressed.

“We have to make sure that the place is free of drugs and therefore we are working closely with the police force and that’s the best we can do.”