Drug lords are more concerned with filling their pockets than the safety of Fijians, Vatuvavui Village headman Niko Sucuvakaivalu said, following the recent drug bust at Vatia Wharf in Tavua, which was part of the village’s qoliqoli (fishing ground).
“The recent drug seizure at Vatia I was really angry, especially with those Fijians who are doing these illegal activities,” he said.
“They don’t have any care or concern about the well-being of our younger generations.
“All they care about is the money that is going to fill their pockets and the portion of money going to other drug peddlers involved in their dirty game.”
“They do not think of the lives of people affected by these drugs and the lives of our younger generations. Why do we have to think about money? When our lives are more important.”
He said the wharf, usually vacant, was an obvious choice for smugglers, putting locals at risk.
“Because that place, even our children would go there to swim, and villagers use that spot as a fishing ground.
“What if our people were out there fishing and timed this illegal activity, it would be a big issue.”
Eleven people have appeared in court over the past week for the recent 2.4 tonne cocaine raid at Vatia.
