Fijians from low- and middle-income families are increasingly turning to illegal drugs, particularly methamphetamine, also known as ‘ice’, in search of quick financial gain. This troubling trend has raised concern among the Fiji Police Force and various advocates.
A recent two-month investigation by Shine a Light into Fiji’s illicit drug trade uncovered alarming insights into how many Fijians, largely young people, are engaging in the local production, distribution, and consumption of methamphetamine. Although no formal assessments have measured the financial scale of the meth market in Fiji, police sources and users estimate its worth to be in the billions.
This year alone, police conducted two significant drug busts in Nadi, confiscating 4.15 tonnes of meth valued at $2 billion. The last major seizure occurred in June 2004 when authorities seized $1 billion worth of meth and the chemicals used for its production in a Suva laboratory.
Meth, once a predominantly domestic issue, has garnered heightened attention due to nationwide awareness initiatives. A user in his fifties, who goes by U.D, stated that during the 90s and 2000s, a small quantity of meth might cost $250, while today sex workers can inject it for as little as $5, making it cheaper than marijuana.
Meth is now widely accessible on nearly every street corner throughout Fiji’s urban and rural areas. Many locals are aware of its presence but often choose to ignore the issue due to fear or personal connections to users.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Operations, Livai Driu, noted an increase in individuals involved in the use of ‘white drugs’ like meth and cocaine. Since 2021, there has been a notable rise in registered illicit drug cases, with the number of meth-related cases recorded in the first four months of 2024 surpassing the figures from the past five years.
The problem extends beyond urban centers, affecting outer islands like the Lau Group, a situation the government admits is challenging. Many meth users come from low-income backgrounds, with their addiction often beginning with marijuana in adolescence and deepening after associating with other drug users. Common consequences of their addiction include significant weight loss and sleep deprivation.
A mother of four, Vabauta, attributed her drug use to peer pressure, acknowledging her history with various substances including meth, marijuana, and glue. After experiencing distressing side effects from meth, including thoughts of harming others and extreme isolation, she made the decision to quit the drug. Michael, a sex worker in his thirties, similarly shared his struggles with addiction, highlighting health issues stemming from prolonged meth use.
U.D described how meth altered his life, leading to weight loss and heightened anxiety. He reported feelings of paranoia and fear, alongside other negative behavioral changes associated with prolonged use.
Police reports indicate a sharp uptick in drug-related offenses. Statistics show that unlawful possession of illicit drugs increased from 727 cases in the first seven months of 2023 to 1,047 cases in 2024. The majority of offenders registered in recent years are between ages 18 and 35, highlighting a concerning trend among younger populations.
To combat the growing drug problem, advocates like Sesenieli Naitala, also known as Bui, are actively working to raise awareness about substance abuse. Bui is involved with Drug-Free World Fiji and has established a sanctuary for sex workers and addicts in Suva called the Survival Advocacy Network (SAN). Through outreach initiatives, including sessions at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital, Bui aims to understand the underlying issues driving addiction and help individuals on their path to recovery.
Bui recounted meeting a 17-year-old patient at St Giles who had a history of meth use, reflecting a grim reality of substance use as a coping mechanism. She highlighted the dangers of addiction and how it can lead individuals to dangerous behaviors and strained family relationships.
Through her advocacy, Bui emphasizes the importance of community engagement, stating that awareness around drug abuse is growing. The conversation about drugs is becoming more common across various platforms, with participation from schools, families, and the broader community.
The article concludes by noting that this is the first installment of a five-part series examining the escalating methamphetamine crisis in Fiji, with plans to explore local production and prevalence in outer islands in subsequent articles.