Fiji faces the serious risk of becoming a “semi-narco state” as it struggles with increasing methamphetamine issues, according to transnational crime expert Jose Sousa-Santos. He warns that this situation could allow cartels and criminal syndicates from Southeast Asia and beyond to exert powerful and detrimental influence over the nation.
The meth problem is not confined to urban areas in Viti Levu; it is also expected to affect remote islands like the Lau Group, which hosts travelers from around the globe. Lau’s geographical layout and inadequate security protocols at transport points, such as wharfs and domestic flight terminals, make it especially vulnerable to the inflow of illegal drugs, which are reportedly being exchanged for marijuana on Moala island.
The younger population in these outer islands is already showing alarming signs of drug use, leading to rising numbers of school dropouts and increased alcohol consumption. Sousa-Santos highlighted the financial incentives driving the illegal drug trade in Fiji, stating, “Is it going to get worse? Fiji is at risk now.” He noted that the profits from drug trafficking enable lower-level operatives to continue their activities while also enriching the elites involved in the trade.
Reports indicate that various criminal organizations have operated in Fiji for over a decade, often with the complicity of business leaders. The recent significant seizure of methamphetamine in Fiji illustrates the scale of the issue, suggesting that substantial quantities of the drug have been passing through the region unnoticed for years.
This week, the investigative series on Fiji’s meth problem wraps up, featuring expert insights on the community impacts of meth trafficking.
According to Sousa-Santos, public awareness of the dangers of meth was lacking just a few years ago. He emphasized that there was a general unawareness of the drug trade’s potential consequences, including the potential rise in intravenous drug use and human trafficking. He warned that the regional drug trafficking landscape is evolving, with criminal syndicates adapting tactics similar to those seen in the U.S and Southeast Asia.
The mental health ramifications of meth use among youth in Fiji are becoming increasingly apparent. At St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, methamphetamine has surpassed cannabis as the most commonly used drug among young patients. Dr. Balram Pandit, the hospital’s medical superintendent, reported a significant rise in meth cases, indicating that treatment is essential to address both meth dependence and related mental health issues.
The meth trafficking crisis is not only affecting urban communities; it is also destabilizing remote villages in the Lau Group, which are already struggling with marijuana-related problems. Sousa-Santos pointed out that the influence of local gangs and criminal organizations is contributing to the erosion of traditional community structures, resulting in rising incidents of domestic violence and fostering environments conducive to human trafficking.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug-Free World Fiji, reported that the lack of dedicated rehabilitation facilities for substance abuse has persisted since 2019, leaving many individuals in crisis without adequate support. However, some local communities are beginning to resist the influence of drugs and criminality, showcasing a desire to combat the cycle of addiction.
Volatabu described a growing pushback against illegal drugs, noting that while demand remains high, there are villagers advocating for change and rejecting the drug culture. She remarked on the urgent need to address the growing issue of substance abuse in Fiji.