Fiji’s strategic geographic location in the Pacific Ocean has transformed it into a pivotal transit point for drug trafficking, particularly for cartels targeting Australia and New Zealand. The established networks of these criminal organizations span across the Pacific, linking Fiji and Tonga as key players in the illicit drug trade. Police and experts on transnational crime have expressed concern over the local and international drug syndicates and anticipate that their influence will grow as authorities intensify their crackdowns on illegal activities.
In addition to being a transit hub, Fiji is witnessing an alarming trend with locals starting to produce methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth or ice, for quick financial gain. Police have conducted raids on properties where meth-cooking equipment was discovered. Identified hotspots indicate a rising prevalence of meth usage.
A significant police operation in July revealed a consignment of drug production equipment imported from Canada, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with these syndicates. Currently, authorities have pinpointed two main groups involved in the local production of meth while receiving drugs from abroad, while a third group relies solely on shipments from overseas.
The presence of these cartels in Fiji has persisted over the past decade, raising questions about their longevity. Jose Sousa-Santos, a transnational crime expert, noted that individuals in prominent positions within the government and law enforcement may be complicit in facilitating drug movements, ultimately impacting local communities.
This report follows a previous article focusing on the meth crisis in Fiji and delves into the significant transshipment of meth and its impact. Notably, a recent seizure involved 4.15 tonnes of meth in Nadi, which serves as a critical transit point for drugs trafficked from South America and Southeast Asia.
The Pacific remains a vital transit route for drug trafficking. Fiji’s geographical advantages, along with its sizable population and economic activity, make it an attractive destination for syndicates transporting meth from Southeast Asia or cocaine from South America. Experts emphasize the need for vigilant border enforcement to counteract the repackaging of drugs into legitimate goods for export.
Established cartel networks facilitate the smuggling of substantial drug quantities to Australia and New Zealand, often using sophisticated means like grid coordinates and satellite phones for coordination outside of Fiji’s monitoring capabilities. Traffickers may utilize various transport methods including yachts and small crafts to deliver drugs undetected.
The complexity of Fiji’s drug networks was underscored by a series of recent raids in Nadi, where large quantities of meth were seized. Investigations revealed elaborate pre-planning over several months to ensure the successful delivery of drugs into Fiji.
For instance, 4.15 tonnes of meth arrived in a hired barge at a marina in Nadi late last year, following meticulous surveillance of water depth and rendezvous planning. Subsequent trips to retrieve the drugs involved the use of unmarked boats and covert communications, and these operations were executed by a mix of individuals, including local accomplices and foreign nationals.
The journey for these drugs involved extensive collaboration among local networks, where entrepreneurs and unsuspecting individuals unwittingly facilitated drug transportation from offshore to land. Operatives utilized various means of transport and communication, often hiding drugs within everyday goods to evade detection.
Notably, the hierarchical structure of these criminal organizations indicates that the individuals arrested during recent operations were primarily mid-tier operatives, suggesting that those at the highest levels orchestrating these extensive operations remain at large and unaccountable.
In summary, the ongoing systemic issues surrounding drug trafficking in Fiji spotlight the intricate networks and challenges authorities face in curbing illegal drug production and distribution.