Methamphetamine use in Fiji is seeing a troubling rise, surpassing cannabis in popularity, with young adults aged 18 to 35 significantly affected. A report from the Fiji Police Drug Awareness Team indicated that this demographic represents the most vulnerable and productive segment of society, now increasingly facing addiction challenges. The study, conducted over a three-year period ending in 2023, highlights that dealers are specifically targeting women and children to expand their drug networks.
Police Inspector Usaia Donu addressed these concerns during a recent Drug Abuse and Gender-Based Awareness session, noting the alarming shift towards methamphetamine. “The majority of perpetrators are using meth for their illegal agenda,” Donu stated, emphasizing the drug’s availability due to its ingredients being sourced from pharmaceutical and hardware stores, making it both potent and accessible.
The transition from cannabis to stronger substances like meth is contributing to heightened violence, crime, and addiction rates. It is particularly concerning that some within the civil service are also involved in drug use, rather than actively combatting the growing problem.
This narrative aligns with the findings of similar reports from recent investigations, like a two-month inquiry by Shine a Light that exposed how many Fijian youth are engaged in the production, sale, and consumption of methamphetamine. With police estimating the meth market’s value in the billions, earlier this year, two major drug raids in Nadi led to the seizure of 4.15 tonnes of meth, valued at approximately $2 billion. This starkly contrasts with past figures, when the same amount could have initially cost $250 for a small quantity in the 1990s and 2000s, whereas today, it can be accessed for as little as $5.
Moreover, the Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, highlighted a worrying increase in the number of drug possession cases, with 1,047 incidents recorded in the first half of 2024, up from 727 the previous year. The statistics reveal that most offenders belong to the 18 to 35 age group, suggesting an urgent need for intervention and support in this demographic.
Advocates like Sesenieli Naitala, known as Bui, are striving to change the dialogue around drug abuse in Fiji. She emphasizes the importance of community awareness and engagement, working to foster discussions on drug issues across families, schools, and societal groups. Through outreach programs, including a sanctuary for sex workers and drug addicts, Bui aims to improve access to support and recovery options.
The mounting recognition of the drug crisis presents a critical opportunity for Fiji to address these issues collaboratively. With ongoing advocacy and police efforts, there remains hope for shifting public perception and ultimately combating the meth epidemic in Fiji.
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