The Western Division is the “reddest” drug zone in the country, says Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua.
While appearing on The Lens@177, he said Nadi remained a particular area of concern for authorities and where a bulk of major busts had taken place.
Mr Tikoduadua also said while he did not have the exact number of active drug users in the country, they estimated the numbers were substantial.
“In terms of consumption, in terms of its use and I think where it is prevalent based on the population, (it) is the Central Division, where it is most concerning, because you’ve got the greatest number of people in the Suva-Nausori corridor,” he said.
Mr Tikoduadua also said informal settlements were especially vulnerable, however, this did not preclude places like Tamavua because drugs were everywhere.
He said people were being arrested in Vanua Levu and maritime islands with “white, not green”.
Mr Tikoduadua also said the focus remained on business areas as this was where the enablers were.
“I can’t give you the full number of people (users) as that would be impossible to know. There is data available for those who have come to seek help.
“There is data within social organisations that reach out.”
He said government, through the Ministries of Social Welfare, and Youth and Sports, was targeting specifically street kids.
Mr Tikoduadua said they were aware of how many street kids used drugs.
“The numbers are concerning. You know, even if it’s one, it’s concerning. We want to eradicate it. But I think it’s important that we understand the extent and the nature or depth of the problem. Number is only one part.
“Right now, the number of people that we assume are using drugs or are benefiting from the marketing of drugs is actually a number that needs to be curtailed and brought down.”
