Concerns have emerged regarding the alleged barter of marijuana by youths in Lau, particularly on the island of Moala, in exchange for methamphetamine sourced from Suva. Village leaders in the region have expressed their worries about this situation.
Reports collected by Shine a Light during visits to Moala and Vanuabalavu indicate that methamphetamine is becoming an issue among the youth on these islands. The Fiji Police Narcotics Bureau has been notified of these allegations, though concrete evidence has yet to be established.
The alleged trafficking of meth is said to occur through local villagers who travel to Suva on passenger boats, taking advantage of the insufficient security checks at the wharf in addition to the limited police presence on the islands. The youth in Lau are reportedly exposed to methamphetamine usage and sale daily, facilitated by yachts, inter-island shipping, domestic flights, and even online tutorials about drug production.
Village heads from the 72 communities across Lau are alarmed that meth use could severely disrupt the peace and lifestyle of the islands. Roko Tui Lau Jaji Kalounivalu expressed concern about the impact it would have on the inhabitants’ welfare and future.
While the cultivation and use of marijuana have historically been known in the area, recent reports from Vanuabalavu, Ono-i-Lau, Lakeba, and Moala suggest that methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “ice,” is now present among the youth. Kalounivalu remarked that, although not many young individuals may currently be using meth, the small population makes it a formidable threat for rapid spread.
The Lau Group is composed of over 50 islands, with only 19 being inhabited and a total population estimated at about 80,000 individuals. Statistics from late last year indicate 6,800 residents across these islands, with the majority of the youth being males aged 10 to 30 years.
Recent observations point to the relationship between the communities and the trend of drug use. The illegal cultivation and distribution of marijuana are recognized by authorities and village elders, but the discovery of packaged cocaine along Lau’s shores in 2018 raised alarms about the potential entry routes for harder drugs into these isolated communities.
Station officer Biutoka Vuli from the Moala Community Post has noted a possible connection between local groups and drug dealers with ties to the mainland, although concrete evidence of meth presence has not yet been established. Signs of drug use, particularly amongst male youth, include increased school dropouts, higher alcohol consumption rates, escalating violence, and declining respect for community norms.
Dr. Fifita Niulevu, a medical officer in Naroi, Moala, has reported a rise in assault cases linked to alcohol among the youth. Villagers, particularly from Nasoki, fear that drugs are being transported from Viti Levu and are concerned about the implications for their community.
While Vanuabalavu has not yet experienced cases of meth use, marijuana cultivation and sale persist. Traditional owners of the Bay of Islands in Daliconi Village have observed suspicious nets tied to buoys in the ocean, raising suspicions of drug trafficking through their waters.
Authorities have faced criticism regarding their monitoring efforts at wharfs and airports. Local shipping industry representatives say that inadequate policing allows drug trafficking to thrive undetected.
Overall, the situation in Lau reflects a growing unease over drug infiltration, with community leaders urging increased vigilance and preventive measures from the government to safeguard their islands from the adverse effects of illicit drug use.