THREE hotels in Nadi are being closely monitored by police because of their suspected involvement in drug trafficking and prostitution.
Nadi Police Station officer-in-charge Assistant Superintendent Hemant Dass revealed this yesterday at the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mini Forum which was held at Tanoa Skylodge Hotel
“I’m not afraid and I will not be deterred to say this here because for us, the safety of everyone that comes in to Nadi is paramount.”
ASP Dass said those types of hotels were known as “red spots”.
He said at one hotel, one key could open the door to any room. This, ASP Dass said, posed a risk to not only people, but also to property.
“It’s also very cheap to stay at these hotels but even though you’re paying a few dollars less, your safety is not guaranteed. Police officers cannot be around these areas 24/7.”
The population in Nadi is about 104,000 and according to ASP Dass, they’re doing their best with the resources they have.
“We have 140 police officers in Nadi. This basically means that one police officer looks after 800 people. This is why I keep urging everyone here that we need to work together if we are to shut out illegal activities in Nadi Town.”
ASP Dass said they had received numerous complaints about alleged prostitution and drug trafficking, but until they get hard evidence, they could not make any arrests.
“We cannot arrest or harass anyone without any real evidence. So what we need is your input, the business community. Unless we arrest anyone with evidence, we will not have a case in court.”
He said they had conducted several surveillance operations in the past as well as some raids, but insisted that without the business community working together with police, crime in Nadi would continue to rise.
ASP Dass said they were committed to finding out the truth about the alleged prostitution and drug trafficking in the tourist town and would deal with it promptly to make sure both locals and tourists were safe.
“It’s also very cheap to stay at these hotels but even though you’re paying a few dollars less, your safety is not guaranteed. Police officers cannot be around these areas 24/7.”
The population in Nadi is about 104,000 and according to ASP Dass, they’re doing their best with the resources they have.
“We have 140 police officers in Nadi. This basically means that one police officer looks after 800 people. This is why I keep urging everyone here that we need to work together if we are to shut out illegal activities in Nadi Town.”
ASP Dass said they had received numerous complaints about alleged prostitution and drug trafficking, but until they get hard evidence, they could not make any arrests.
“We cannot arrest or harass anyone without any real evidence.
“So what we need is your input, the business community. Unless we arrest anyone with evidence, we will not have a case in court,” ASP Dass said.
He said they had conducted several surveillance operations and some raids, but insisted that without the business community’s help, crime in Nadi would continue to rise.
ASP Dass said they were committed to finding out the truth about the alleged prostitution and drug trafficking in the tourist town and would deal with it promptly to make sure both locals and tourists were safe.
