Fiji is facing a significant threat of becoming a ‘semi-narco state’ due to a rising methamphetamine crisis, according to transnational crime expert Jose Sousa-Santos. He warns that Southeast Asian cartels and other criminal organizations are likely to gain substantial influence in the country as the meth problem escalates.
The impact of this issue will not be confined to urban areas in Viti Levu but will extend to remote islands like the Lau Group, which attract international yacht visitors. The unique geography and lax security at transportation hubs in Lau have made the area particularly vulnerable to illegal drug trafficking. Reports indicate that illicit drugs are already being traded for marijuana on Moala Island.
The youth on these islands show alarming trends in drug use, reflected in an increasing number of school dropouts and alcohol consumption. Mr. Sousa-Santos noted that the financial incentives from the drug trade are encouraging continued illegal activities. He stated, “Is it going to get worse? Fiji is at risk now,” emphasizing the dangers posed by the drug trade.
Previous investigations revealed that criminal syndicates have operated unchecked in Fiji for over ten years, often with the complicity of business elites. The recent significant seizure of methamphetamine signals that the drug has been present in the country in large amounts for some time without detection.
As Fiji grapples with the meth crisis, experts warn of the potential social consequences, including an increase in intravenous drug use and sex and human trafficking. Mr. Sousa-Santos pointed out that local and governmental authorities must be proactive in countering these evolving criminal organizations to avert a broader epidemic.
The medical superintendent of St Giles Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Balram Pandit, indicated that meth use among the youth is surpassing that of cannabis. Treatment for addiction at the hospital relies on a combination of drug therapies and counseling, though he emphasizes that a patient’s motivation is crucial for recovery.
Furthermore, the meth market is destabilizing traditional village structures in the Lau Group, contributing to rising crime and domestic violence. Drug-Free World Fiji founder Kalesi Volatabu noted a lack of rehabilitation facilities for substance abuse, highlighting a growing urgency for effective intervention.
Despite the crisis, some community members are standing against the ebb of drugs and crime, pushing for a change and expressing their desire to reject the growing meth culture.
This report concludes a six-part series on the methamphetamine issue in Fiji, shedding light on the profound impacts of drug trafficking and the need for urgent action.