The Fiji Police Force has expressed serious concerns regarding the rise of methamphetamine production in residential areas. Assistant Commissioner of Police operations, Livai Driu, has urged the community to notify authorities about locations where these drugs are being made.
“Our sources have indicated that there is an increasing trend of individuals manufacturing methamphetamine at home,” stated ACP Driu. He emphasized the dangers involved, noting that many of these amateur producers lack the expertise and are mixing hazardous chemicals that pose risks to the public.
As the police continue their efforts to combat illegal drugs, ACP Driu highlighted the need to address this underlying issue.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free Fiji, claimed that meth production has been a problem in the local communities since 2019. “During our research in 2019, we gathered information from coastal areas, the Fiji Fire Authority, and the police, revealing reports of meth production in various communities, particularly in squatter settlements,” she explained.
Volatabu pointed out that instructional videos on platforms like YouTube are readily available, teaching users how to produce meth. She noted that accidents during the production process have resulted in severe injuries, including third-degree burns. Furthermore, she mentioned that the materials needed to manufacture meth are easily accessible in stores.
The police are appealing to the public to assist in locating these drug manufacturers. Meanwhile, ACP Driu reported ongoing drug raids in remote islands, revealing an uptick in marijuana cultivation. “While we have not discovered meth in these areas, we have encountered green drugs,” he confirmed.
Drug operations are being conducted across all five divisions, not limited to the main islands but also targeting maritime locations. ACP Driu assured that the same operational procedures are applied consistently, including awareness campaigns in these regions, with police officers stationed on Moala and Vanuabalavu.
On the mainland, the police have observed a 37 percent increase in drug raids compared to the same period last year. ACP Driu stated, “This situation is under control as we are receiving tips on drug locations, leading to significant arrests and successful raids. The numbers may decline soon due to rising prices of these substances.”