The Fiji Police Force has expressed alarm over the rise of methamphetamine production in residential areas. Assistant Commissioner of Police operations, Livai Driu, has urged the community to report any locations where these drugs are being produced.
ACP Driu stated, “Our local sources indicate that individuals are starting to produce methamphetamine within their homes. This situation is perilous because many of these producers lack the necessary expertise and are mixing hazardous chemicals that could endanger the public who consume these substances.”
As law enforcement continues its efforts against illegal drugs, ACP Driu emphasized that addressing this home production is crucial to tackling the issue at its source.
In related comments, Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free Fiji, reported that meth production has reportedly been present in local communities since 2019. “In our 2019 research, which involved discussions with coastal communities, the Fiji Fire Authority, and the Fiji Police Force, we learned of ongoing cases in squatter settlements,” she noted.
Volatabu highlighted the accessibility of information about meth production, stating, “You can find instructional videos on YouTube that detail the manufacturing process. We have seen individuals hospitalized with severe burns while trying to prepare meth. Today, the materials required for this process are easily obtainable at local shops.”
The police have called upon the community’s assistance in identifying these illegal producers. Although there have not been any recent discoveries of meth on remote islands, ACP Driu mentioned continued operations against marijuana cultivation in those areas.
He noted, “Our drug operations are extensive and cover all five divisions, not just Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, but also the maritime islands. We conduct our operations consistently, providing awareness programs and maintaining police presence on islands like Moala and Vanuabalavu.”
On the mainland, law enforcement has reported a 37 percent increase in drug raids compared to the previous year. ACP Driu reassured that the situation is under control due to ongoing community tips, adding that they have made significant arrests and raids. He believes the number of drug-related incidents may decrease soon due to rising prices of these substances.