Fiji is at risk of becoming a ‘semi-narco state’ as it confronts a growing methamphetamine issue, according to transnational crime expert Jose Sousa-Santos. He warns that criminal cartels from Southeast Asia could significantly influence the country as the problem escalates.
Urban areas in Viti Levu are not the only regions facing this crisis; outer islands like the Lau Group are also vulnerable due to their connections with international yachties and inadequate security measures at transportation hubs, making them prime targets for drug trafficking. Reports indicate that illicit drugs are already being exchanged for marijuana on Moala island, worsening the situation.
This rising concern is reflected in the younger population, many of whom are showing increasing signs of drug use, leading to high school dropout rates and increased alcohol consumption. Sousa-Santos notes that the financial incentives for maintaining the illegal drug trade are a clear motivation for those involved.
The expert stated, “Is it going to get worse? Fiji is at risk now,” emphasizing that the profits from drug trafficking are supporting the syndicates and contributing to the elite making significant amounts of money from these operations. Previous investigations have shown that organized crime has operated in Fiji for years, often linked to business elites.
Recently reported large seizures of meth indicate that significant amounts of drugs have been flowing through Fiji undetected for years—warning signs that need to be addressed immediately. As Sousa-Santos pointed out, the country has entered a critical phase, and if the government and law enforcement do not adapt, they may fall behind the rapidly evolving drug syndicates.
The number of youth cases involving meth use is on the rise in Fiji, overtaking cannabis as the leading substance at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva. Medical Superintendent Dr. Balram Pandit reported that a significant majority of the youth patients at the hospital are undergoing treatment for meth dependence, with the youngest patient being only 17.
Dr. Pandit noted that addressing meth dependence is crucial, as it often leads to secondary mental health issues and underscores the importance of patient motivation for long-term recovery.
The trafficking of meth not only impacts individual health but also destabilizes entire communities across the Lau Group of Islands, where residents are grappling with increasing marijuana issues. Sousa-Santos described the breakdown of traditional power structures as a result of local gang influence, leading to an increase in domestic violence and human trafficking.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug-Free World Fiji, expressed concerns about the lack of dedicated rehabilitation facilities, indicating that the community is in crisis. However, there are individuals and groups working against the tide of addiction and crime.
Volatabu highlighted that there is a growing local demand for drugs, which exacerbates the issue. Despite some residents voicing their desire to push back against drug culture, the fight against the drug epidemic continues to be a significant challenge for Fiji.
This article concludes a six-part series examining the methamphetamine crisis in Fiji.