The revelation that drugs were allegedly found on a child involved in a car accident on the Nabouwalu-Labasa highway two weeks ago is cause for concern.
According to Police, they were trying to determine how the child came to be in possession of the illicit drug and who had it at the time of the tragedy.
Investigations had not ruled out whether there was an attempt to conceal the drug on the child to avoid detection following the accident.
Police confirmed there were three lines of investigation into the accident — traffic accident case, negligence and drugs.
Investigators were planning to interview the victim’s father, however, he succumbed to injuries a few days ago.
The second victim was discharged from hospital.
The suspect in the alleged fatal incident died at the scene of the accident, while two others who sustained injuries including the child’s father, were conveyed for medical treatment.
What we have here is a serious case that highlights the extent to which drugs have taken hold in society.
What happened in this case is a shocking reminder for us all about how bad the drugs situation is in our nation. It’s so bad that our children are being found with hard drugs. That in itself is a shocking state of affairs for us!
As police continue investigations to determine how the drugs ended up with the child, there will be many questions asked.
Are we doing enough to create awareness about the dangers of hard drugs?
Are we focusing on areas that may be hotspots, and have we identified hotspots around the country?
And while we are at it, we again push for the urgent set up of rehabilitation centres around the country, to attend to drug addicts.
We will leave the policing bit to our law enforcement arms. However, we must all be part of the solution and that means advocating for awareness and a concerted effort against illicit drugs.
So we look up to the powers that be to do much more than just talking about it. We expect urgent action to push these rehab centres.
We already have addicts. They are struggling to get rid of the hard drugs habit. And it isn’t easy to do that. They need urgent attention and assistance.
That means we just have to say, enough talk and more action please!
Addiction to hard drugs such as methamphetamine is quite difficult to get out of.
Addicts will need specialised care. They will need experts dealing with them in a well resourced rehab centre.
We don’t have that right now.
Addiction does not wait or take a break! It will not spare the vulnerable!
Young lives are being destroyed by drug addiction.
We call on our leaders to stop the talk and start the work! Now!
