Fijians from low- and middle-income families are increasingly turning to illicit drugs, especially methamphetamine, commonly referred to as ‘ice’, as a means of making quick money. This emerging trend has raised concerns among the Fiji Police Force and drug advocates.
A recent two-month investigation by Shine a Light into the illicit drug trade in Fiji uncovered alarming findings about the involvement of many young Fijians in the local production, distribution, and consumption of methamphetamine. While there are no definitive studies on the monetary value of the meth market in Fiji, police sources and drug users estimate it to be in the billions.
Earlier this year, two significant police drug raids in Nadi resulted in the confiscation of 4.15 tonnes of meth, valued at approximately $2 billion. The last major drug seizure occurred in June 2004, when $1 billion worth of meth and related chemicals were taken from a lab in the Laucala Beach industrial area in Suva.
Historically, meth has been a drug used primarily in domestic settings, but recent awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts are attempting to address this issue.
A meth user in his fifties, identified as U.D, recounted how in the 1990s and 2000s, a small amount of meth bought on the street would cost around $250. Currently, sex workers can inject meth for as little as $5, significantly cheaper than marijuana.
Meth is widely available in Fiji’s urban and suburban areas, with many local residents aware of its presence but often choosing to ignore it due to fear or personal connections. Assistant Police Commissioner Livai Driu noted a marked increase in the involvement of people in the use of “white drugs,” including meth and cocaine.
Since 2021, there has been a notable rise in illicit drug cases, with the number of meth-related incidents already surpassing those recorded in the previous five years within just the first four months of 2024. Driu acknowledged the challenges faced by authorities in tackling this growing issue, which is no longer confined to urban areas but has also spread to outer islands, particularly the Lau Group.
Many meth users interview shared stories of addiction, often stemming from early marijuana use in low-income families. These users described various harmful effects of their addiction, including severe weight loss and chronic sleep deprivation. A mother of four, known as Vabauta, explained that peer pressure contributed to her early onset of drug use. She ultimately stopped using meth after it led her to contemplate violence and self-isolation.
Michael, a sex worker in his thirties, began using meth three years ago after years of marijuana use, stating that it severely affected his health and ability to sleep.
Additionally, Sesenieli Naitala, a drug awareness advocate, highlighted the struggles of those grappling with addiction. She shared stories of individuals who have faced dire consequences as a result of their drug use, including theft and suicidal thoughts.
Police statistics show that from January to July 2024, unlawful possession of illicit drugs rose to 1,047 cases, a substantial increase from 727 in the same timeframe the previous year. The majority of drug offenders fall between the ages of 18 and 35, with a concerning trend of young people resorting to crime to fund their drug habits.
Naitala, known as Bui, actively works to combat the drug crisis by promoting awareness about the perils of substance abuse, particularly among the youth. She leads outreach programs, including therapy sessions at the St. Giles Psychiatric Hospital, where she engages with patients struggling with addiction.
Bui believes that growing community awareness and police efforts to combat drug-related issues are slowly shifting perceptions about the seriousness of the problem. As she continues her advocacy work, Bui is hopeful about the difference it can make in addressing the ongoing meth crisis in Fiji.
This article is part one of a five-part series on the rising methamphetamine problem in Fiji, which aims to explore local production and prevalence on outer islands.