Fiji’s Police Minister, Iowane Naivalurua, has declared the country’s rising drug issue a national emergency. During the National Talanoa Session held in Lami, which focused on addressing illicit drugs in Fiji, Naivalurua disclosed alarming statistics, revealing that nearly 2,400 drug-related incidents were documented in 2025.
The majority of the offenders fall within the 18 to 35 age demographic, highlighting a significant concern for the youth in the region. The minister warned about the infiltration of transnational trafficking organizations into Fiji and pointedly noted the emerging correlation between methamphetamine usage and the increased risk of HIV transmission.
“This is not only a police issue, but it is also a public health problem,” Naivalurua emphasized, underlining the broader implications of drug misuse on society.
He asserted that Fiji should not be compared to countries like Mexico or Colombia, nor should it be labeled similarly to smaller Caribbean nations, suggesting that such comparisons undermine the country’s efforts to combat the crisis.
The national dialogue around the challenges posed by drugs is set to continue this week, emphasizing Fiji’s commitment to addressing and mitigating the drug problem while fostering public awareness and health initiatives.
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