Caption: Director NSAAC Mr. Misaele Driubalavu holds the can of Glue which was confiscated from a student during last weekend’s Hibiscus Festival.
BY ASHTOSH SINGH
Parents have been urged to be more vigilant in monitoring the whereabouts of children and students during the School holidays. This was after a student was caught with a large can of glue during the Hibiscus Festival.
Director National Substance Abuse Advisory Council Mr. Misaele Driubalavu said the newly purchased One Liter Can of Dunlop Glue was found in the possession of the student by a concerned member of the public.
“We have reason to believe that the large can could have been sniffed by a group of students and this student who was caught was used to purchase the can for the group.”
Mr. Driubalavu added that they have noticed a shift from the sniffing of small cans to the bigger cans because of the huge demands for intoxication and to ensure that this can be shared with their group of friends and for a longer period.
He said that Retailers also will need exercise their civic responsibilities and refrain from selling these substances like glue to children.
“I am therefore appealing to parents and retailers to exercise their moral and civic responsibilities in ensuring the health and safety of our children.”
The student who was caught with the can of glue is currently undergoing counseling in the presence of the parents.
Meanwhile the Public Consultation in the Draft Volatile Substance Abuse Decree will be held tomorrow at the Serua Provincial Office in Navua from 8am – 4:30pm.