There’s a growing use of suki among children, according to Sergeant Loame Turagaluvu of the Labasa Police Station.
Sergeant Turagaluvu said young children had easy access to suki, cigarettes, kava and alcohol.
“Substances such as tobacco, cigarettes, kava and alcohol are legal under the law, but they still have effects on human lives,” he said.
“Their accessibility and affordability are concerns that require the attention of everyone, including parents, guardians, teachers, community members.”
If not monitored, he said, such substances could have a negative impact on children and lead to other harmful behaviours if not properly monitored.
“These are common issues that our children are facing today, and we must all support them to grow up in an environment where their health and safety are protected.”
Speaking at Bethel Primary School in Labasa, he said drugs have the potential to destroy families and disrupt education.
“They also affect employment, waste talent, and place pressure on our health and financial systems.”
He said Fiji must strengthen co-operation among stakeholders to promote a drug-free society and reduce youth exposure to harmful substances.
“The focus is to work in collaboration with stakeholders in taking positive action towards achieving a drug-free Fiji
“Through collective action, we can create a country where individuals are empowered to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.”
He urged families to closely monitor children and guide them away from early substance use.
