Over 3,500 students involved in drugs – FBC News

(Photo file)

This year, more than 3,500 students in Fiji have been involved in illegal drug-related cases.

Permanent Secretary for Land and Mineral Resources Paula Cirikiyasawa revealed startling figures – that 1.7 per cent, or 3,519 of Fiji’s 207,000 registered students, were involved in this activity.

Yesterday, Cirikiyasawa, while officiating at the launch of the week-long drug-free awareness campaign 2024 in Laqere, Central Division, says the statistics are “disturbing for Fiji.”

He says Fiji is no different to other countries in the world where drug abuse is a major problem.

PS notes that, as part of the National Anti-Drug Strategy for 2023-2028, an awareness-raising initiative has been launched aimed at the most vulnerable school-age students.

“Fighting illegal drugs is not a problem that the government can tackle alone – it requires a nation-wide effort to curb our country’s drug problem. We must work together to prevent drug and substance abuse by supporting each other to lead healthier and happier lives. Together we can strive to build a nation free from the shackles of the illicit drug trade and foster a culture of drug-free living through education, awareness and proactive community initiatives.”

Cirikiyasawa says evidence of an increase in drug-related crime and violence among children, which many people turn a blind eye to, is also disturbing.

He adds that many lives have been ruined by addiction and families torn apart by the devastating trade.

PS hopes that the awareness campaign will spark a collective community effort to combat substance abuse through sustainable, long-term commitments.

Similar week-long drug awareness campaigns will be conducted later in the Western, Eastern and Northern divisions.

The theme of this week-long awareness campaign is “Be Responsible, Make Healthy Choices, Stay Off Drugs,” reflecting the national commitment to making responsible choices and refraining from drug and substance abuse.