Member of Parliament Rinesh Sharma highlighted the serious implications of drug abuse, highlighting the alarming rise in incidents of addiction, withdrawal and related health problems.

Speaking during the Speaker’s Debate on drugs, Sharma says there has been an increasing prevalence of substances such as tobacco, alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis.

He points out that the geographic isolation that once protected Pacific nations has now made them vulnerable to exploitation by transnational criminal networks.

“Drug addiction and drug withdrawal are both distressing and, in severe cases, life-threatening. This forms the basis for drug addiction and the endless cycle of drug abuse. With the increase in drug and alcohol use, there is an increase in STIs, HIV and AIDS, and young people are the most vulnerable.”

Sharma also proposed a multi-pronged approach to combating the crisis, calling for drug testing not only in schools but also at sporting events, workplaces and police checkpoints.