Fiji is facing the looming threat of becoming a ‘semi-narco state’ due to a rising methamphetamine crisis, according to transnational crime expert Jose Sousa-Santos. He warns that if the situation continues to escalate, Southeast Asian cartels and criminal syndicates could gain significant control over the nation.
The issue extends beyond urban areas on Viti Levu; even the remote Lau Group islands are at risk. These islands, which attract international yachties, have been increasingly vulnerable due to inadequate security measures at transportation points like wharves and domestic airports. Reports indicate that drugs are already being exchanged for marijuana on Moala island.
Concerns are growing, as many young people in these regions show signs of drug use, leading to high school dropout rates and elevated alcohol consumption. Sousa-Santos emphasized that the financial incentives for maintaining the illegal drug trade are substantial. He stated, “Is it going to get worse? Fiji is at risk now,” highlighting that the money generated from the drug trade supports those on the ground and the elites involved in the operation.
Past reports have indicated that various criminal groups have operated in Fiji for years, often with the backing of business elites. Sousa-Santos described the trafficking of meth and other drugs as ‘troubling,’ pointing to a recent large seizure of methamphetamine in Fiji as evidence of an extensive underground network that has previously gone unnoticed.
Reflecting on Fiji’s current situation, Sousa-Santos noted that the public was not fully aware of the impending impacts of meth on society just a few years ago. He emphasized the necessity for authorities to prepare for the inevitable arrival of widespread meth use, particularly as syndicates adapt and evolve their tactics. “We must be one step ahead,” he warned, urging law enforcement to keep pace with the rapid changes in drug trafficking methods.
The increasing prevalence of meth among youth is evidenced at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, where meth use has surpassed cannabis among patients. Dr. Balram Pandit, the medical superintendent, revealed that the hospital has seen a sharp rise in cases, with the youngest patient admitted for meth dependence being just 17 years old. He acknowledged that addiction often leads to additional mental health challenges and emphasized that the individual’s motivation is crucial for long-term recovery.
The scourge of meth trafficking is not only impacting urban areas but is also destabilizing isolated villages within the Lau Group, which are already grappling with marijuana issues. Sousa-Santos noted that the rise of local gangs is undermining traditional community structures, leading to increased domestic violence and the movement of young women towards cities for the sex trade.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free World Fiji, expressed concern over the lack of dedicated rehabilitation facilities for substance abuse since 2019 and mentioned that many individuals are in crisis, seeking help. However, she also highlighted a growing resistance among some villagers against the culture of drug abuse, saying, “People are stepping up and pushing back.”
This article concludes our investigative series on Fiji’s methamphetamine crisis, examining its social costs and the community’s ongoing battle against this escalating issue.