With the rise of drug-related incidents across the country, island representatives are advocating for the presence of police officers at rural wharves to deter and monitor illegal drug movement. This concern was highlighted during discussions on the National Rural Development Plan, with a representative from the Levuka district on Ovalau Island raising the alarm about the situation.
Levuka District Officer Taniela Tamani noted that many villages are suffering due to insufficient oversight, which is facilitating the transportation of drugs between islands. Residents are calling for enhanced police monitoring at wharves to keep a closer watch on the movement of goods.
“Many boats arrive in Ovalau every day, with trips operating twice daily. While there are district regulations against eating, drinking, and the possession of drugs, we are encountering challenges in enforcing these rules and are seeking help to combat this issue,” Tamani stated.
The request for increased police presence has been a recurring topic in previous provincial meetings. Additionally, the Minister for iTaukei Affairs has emphasized the importance of incorporating community protocols into the development plan, which would support a more flexible and responsive approach. This method aligns with the core values of rural and maritime communities, encouraging collective decision-making and shared responsibility, ensuring that local voices and realities shape the policy.
The representative has urged community members to engage actively with the development plan, bolstering village initiatives, monitoring population movement, and maintaining vigilance against the drug issue. By fostering community involvement and cooperation with law enforcement, there is hope for a significant reduction in drug trafficking and its negative effects on the islands.