The Fiji Police Force has expressed alarm over the rise of methamphetamine production in residential areas. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, urged the public to assist in identifying places involved in the production of these illicit drugs.
ACP Driu highlighted that reports from the community indicate a growing trend of individuals manufacturing methamphetamine at home. “This is dangerous because some of these individuals lack expertise and are combining hazardous chemicals that can harm unsuspecting members of the public,” he stated. He emphasized that addressing this issue is crucial in the ongoing fight against illegal substances.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free Fiji, asserted that meth production in the country has been a problem since 2019. “During our research in 2019, we learned a great deal through interactions with coastal communities, the Fiji Fire Authority, and the Fiji Police Force, revealing that this has been happening within communities and squatter settlements,” she noted.
Volatabu explained that instructional videos on platforms like YouTube provide step-by-step guidance on how to produce meth. “We have seen individuals admitted to hospitals with severe burns from making meth. Nowadays, the materials needed for synthesizing these substances are easily accessible in local shops,” she added.
The police are reaching out for public cooperation in identifying those involved in drug production. ACP Driu mentioned that operations aimed at combating drug cultivation in remote islands have revealed a significant increase in marijuana growth. However, he indicated that no meth-related substances have been discovered in those areas, although marijuana has been found.
“Our drug operations encompass all five divisions, not just Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, but also the maritime islands. We ensure that our procedures remain consistent across all locations. Awareness programs and campaigns are conducted in these regions, and police officers are stationed on islands such as Moala and Vanuabalavu,” said ACP Driu.
On the mainland, authorities have recorded a 37 percent increase in drug raids compared to the previous year. ACP Driu reassured that the situation is under control, attributing this to the valuable information being received regarding drug locations. He noted that with the rising costs of illicit drugs, the frequency of raids may soon decrease.