Village elders are concerned about the number of youths and students reportedly involved with drugs and some say they always thought drugs were an urban problem.

There are suggestions that parents of children caught with drug-related offences should be punished by the village.

Taveuveu Gagamoe, an orator at Satalo said this was disturbing and there must be an initiative in each village to try and tackle this problem.

He said it was sad to read and watch news of youth involved not only in drug-related crimes but other serious offences such as burglary and theft.

Taveuveu added that the villages should impose heavy penalties on parents of children who are found selling drugs.

Manuoletuasivi Salofi echoed the same sentiment. He said more was needed in the fight against drugs.

He said if steps were not taken now, communities could evolve and crime could become widespread.

"It's so unbelievable to see children involved in these kinds of illegal activities," he added.

"All schools should also be on the alert to make sure that students are drug-free."

Last week, a teenager from Palalaua College in Siumu was taken by police for questioning for allegedly selling drugs in school.

Principal Ropati Aukusitino said the matter was now with police and he couldn't comment more.

He said this was an initiative for servants of God, the parents and teachers should stand together and try to find ways to eliminate drug use.

Police are yet to confirm if the girl has been charged and updates on the investigations conducted.

Meanwhile, the courts are now seeing drug-related cases daily. Methamphetamine cases are also being mentioned at a higher frequency than before.

Most meth-related charges are accompanied by possession of illegal firearms. The courts have raised concerns on this time and time again with heavy penalties being imposed.

The courts have also attempted to lean more towards rehabilitation hoping to cut down on repeat offenders.