Fiji’s police authorities have expressed serious concerns regarding the rise of methamphetamine production in residential areas. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, has urged community members to report any suspicious activities related to the manufacturing of the drug.
Driu stated, “We have received reports indicating that individuals are starting to produce methamphetamine at home. This poses significant risks, as many of these individuals lack the expertise and are mixing hazardous chemicals that could endanger the public.”
As the police continue their efforts to combat illegal drugs, Driu emphasized that addressing home-based meth production is a critical part of the issue they need to focus on.
Kalesi Volatabu, the founder of Drug Free Fiji, claimed that local meth production has been occurring since 2019. She highlighted that during their research, which involved discussions with coastal communities and local authorities, there were already indications of meth cooking in various neighborhoods and informal settlements.
“Online platforms like YouTube provide tutorials on how to produce these substances step by step, and unfortunately, we have had incidents where individuals sustained severe injuries, including third-degree burns, while attempting to manufacture meth,” Volatabu remarked. She noted that the ingredients necessary for producing meth are readily available in local hardware stores and supermarkets.
Fiji Police are appealing for public support in identifying those involved in the drug trade. Driu also mentioned that ongoing drug operations in remote areas have resulted in the continued discovery of marijuana cultivation, although no white substances have yet been found in these regions.
“Police operations are active across all five divisions, including our islands, not just Viti Levu and Vanua Levu,” Driu stated. “Our operations in these areas include awareness programs and campaigns, aided by police presence in places like Moala and Vanuabalavu in Lau.”
On the mainland, police observed a 37% increase in drug raids compared to last year. Driu assured the community that they are receiving substantial information on drug locations leading to successful arrests and operations. He noted that the number of cases may soon decline due to the rising costs of these illicit substances.