Fiji is facing a significant threat of becoming a “semi-narco state” as the country battles a growing methamphetamine issue. Transnational crime expert Jose Sousa-Santos warns that this situation could lead to powerful cartels and criminal organizations from Southeast Asia and beyond exerting considerable influence over the nation.
The crisis is not limited to urban areas in Viti Levu; even remote islands like the Lau Group are at risk due to their popularity among international yacht visitors. The geographical layout of Lau, coupled with minimal security checks at transport hubs, makes it highly vulnerable to the influx of illicit drugs, which are reportedly being exchanged for marijuana on islands like Moala.
A concerning trend has emerged among the youth in these islands, with increasing instances of substance abuse resulting in high dropout rates from schools and rising alcohol consumption. Sousa-Santos emphasized that the financial incentives linked to the illegal drug trade are powerful enough to sustain operations and encourage the continued flow of drugs through Fiji, benefiting both local distributors and criminal elites.
Previous investigations revealed that multiple crime syndicates have been active in Fiji for over a decade, made possible by collusion with business elites. The trafficking of meth and other illegal substances is a source of significant concern, with a recent large seizure of methamphetamine indicating that the issue has been persistent despite a history of underreporting.
Experts suggest that the public awareness of the severity of the meth crisis has lagged behind reality. Soto-Santos noted that the implications of meth use, particularly in increasing risks of intravenous drug use and human trafficking, had been underestimated.
The shifting tactics of drug traffickers are also a concern, with Sousa-Santos predicting a future where the Pacific region will adopt mixed approaches similar to those used in the USA and Southeast Asia. He stressed the importance of proactive responses from law enforcement and government officials in order to combat these evolving criminal methods.
The rise of meth usage, especially among Fiji’s youth, is alarming. At St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, meth has surpassed cannabis as the most commonly abused drug. Dr. Balram Pandit from the hospital reported that a significant number of young male patients are being treated for meth dependence, leading to additional mental health issues. Effective rehabilitation hinges on the individual’s motivation to recover.
Moreover, the impact of meth trafficking extends beyond individual users, threatening the stability of remote villages in the Lau Group, which are already struggling with marijuana-related issues. Sousa-Santos pointed out that local gangs weaken traditional power structures, resulting in young people migrating to cities for exploitative opportunities and a surge in domestic violence and human trafficking.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug-Free World Fiji, noted the lack of dedicated facilities for rehabilitating substance abuse and warned that the problem has reached crisis levels. Despite challenges, some community members are resisting the grip of drugs and crime, advocating for change and pushing back against the drug culture.
This article concludes a six-part series examining the methamphetamine crisis in Fiji, highlighting the dire consequences of drug trafficking on local communities and the growing need for intervention strategies.