Methamphetamine use in Fiji has taken a concerning turn, as a significant number of users are opting for injection methods. Inshik Sim, the regional coordinator for organized crime analysis and threat monitoring at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), highlighted that this trend is atypical for countries dealing with meth issues.
A report released by UNODC, titled “Transnational Organized Crime in the Pacific: Expansion, Challenges, and Impact,” outlines the ramifications of this behavior,which was launched in Suva. Sim pointed out the alarming rise in meth consumption in Fiji, emphasizing that injection usage has serious implications for public health. He noted that among the 552 new HIV cases reported in the first half of 2024, 85 were linked to injection drug use.
Furthermore, the Fiji Forensic Chemistry Unit has confirmed the collection of discarded syringes from public areas, testing positive for methamphetamine. This widespread usage of syringes is a rare occurrence not typically associated with meth problems in other countries. Sim called for urgent legislative updates from Pacific leaders, stating that the current laws are outdated and unable to keep pace with emerging substances in the market.