Fiji’s geographic position within the Pacific Ocean has made it an attractive hub for international drug cartels to smuggle illicit substances into Australia and New Zealand. Criminal syndicates have established extensive networks in the region, particularly in Fiji and Tonga.
Law enforcement officials and experts on transnational crime express serious concerns over these drug syndicates, both local and foreign, predicting that their activities and influence may grow as authorities intensify efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking.
In addition to being a transit point, Fiji has seen a rise in local methamphetamine production, commonly referred to as meth or ice. Police have conducted raids on residences where equipment for meth production was found. Certain areas are already recognized by authorities as hotspots for meth use.
In July, police confiscated equipment from Canada at a warehouse in Nadi, which was intended for drug manufacturing. Investigations reveal the presence of two active criminal syndicates in Fiji that both produce their own meth and import drugs from overseas, alongside a third group that focuses solely on importing.
While the specific locations for meth production remain undisclosed, efforts are underway to identify and dismantle these drug operations and their operators. The two significant cartels involved have been active in Fiji for 16 and 10 years, respectively.
According to transnational crime expert Jose Sousa-Santos, the prolonged success of these cartels can be linked to the complicity of influential individuals in government and law enforcement. He suggests that the commercial elite often facilitate drug movement, which can result in severe repercussions for local communities.
This article is a continuation of a previous piece discussing Fiji’s meth issue, focusing on the large quantities of meth trafficked through the region and the stakeholders involved. It details a recent seizure of 4.15 tonnes of meth in Nadi, outlining the complex transshipment routes used by drug traffickers.
The Pacific serves as a critical transit corridor for narcotics flowing from South America and Southeast Asia towards Australia and New Zealand. Meth produced by Southeast Asian criminal syndicates often passes through Fiji, which is favored due to its central location and substantial population.
Different trafficking routes are utilized for cocaine and meth from other regions, including Mexico. Sousa-Santos highlights the need for the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority to enhance detection measures for drugs disguised as legitimate goods being exported.
Established networks across the Pacific enable significant quantities of illicit drugs to be moved undetected into Australia and New Zealand. Traffickers generally utilize yachts and small vessels, which often exit beyond Fiji’s exclusive economic zone to evade local maritime surveillance.
Upon arrival, local networks consisting of various individuals, including sex workers and opportunists termed “foot soldiers,” facilitate the distribution of drugs. Once the narcotics reach Fiji, they can be stored or processed as evidenced by the Nadi drug seizures.
The recent police operations in Nadi reveal how intricate the local drug network has become. The 4.15 tonnes of meth were delivered to Nadi via a hired barge on December 23. Extensive planning preceded the drug shipment, involving reconnaissance of the marina to ensure easy access for the incoming drugs.
The drugs arrived from a superyacht anchored beyond Fiji’s territorial waters, with multiple pickups conducted between December 20 and 23. Once onshore, the drugs were transferred into large recycling bags and moved to a local workshop.
During late December and early January, drugs were further divided and repackaged by various individuals, leading to significant seizures in Legalega and Maqalevu.
On another occasion, further trips were made to the superyacht shortly after the initial drug arrival, indicating the ongoing drug operations.
Communication and coordination for these shipments were planned well in advance, with locations designated for housing the large quantities of meth. Many involved in the transport were unsuspecting local businesspeople and associates connected to the masterminds of the operation.
Sousa-Santos emphasizes that low-level operatives often get arrested, while those orchestrating large-scale operations remain untouched. This raises concerns about the extent of their influence within various high societal levels.
The ongoing investigation reveals a network deeply embedded in Fiji’s fabric, suggesting the need for comprehensive action against those truly in charge of the narcotics trade.