Fiji Police uprooted more than 1,000 plants believed to be marijuana during raids on villages in the North over the preceding few weeks.[1] Fiji Police chief of operations Assistant Commissioner Maretino Qiolevu did not reveal which areas were raided because investigations were continuing.[1]
Qiolevu warned communities to stay away from illegal drug cultivation.[1] Calling the cultivation trend worrying, he said police were concerned about children while welcoming the government’s support.[1] He reiterated that the police force would show no sympathy to anyone involved in drug trafficking, drug trading or cultivation.[1] Police would ensure that those involved were taken to task, Qiolevu said.[1] He noted numerous invitations from schools and said the government had taken ownership and come down hard on drugs.[1] Qiolevu added that police were ready to work with communities to raise awareness and eradicate drug problems.[1]
Earlier that week, Qiolevu had urged non-commissioned officers to serve the public well and not compromise investigations, or leave the police force.[1] Warning that some investigations lacked evidence and should not be compromised, he told officers that people would know and God was watching if they engaged in misconduct.[1] Those remarks came at the opening of a week-long management and leadership training course for non-commissioned officers in Labasa.[1]
