The Fiji Police Force has voiced concerns regarding the production of methamphetamine in residential areas. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, has urged the community to report any locations where these drugs are being created.
ACP Driu noted, “Our sources have indicated that individuals are starting to manufacture their own methamphetamine at home.” He emphasized the dangers involved, as many of these individuals lack expertise and are handling hazardous chemicals that could harm the public when consumed.
Police continue to address illicit drug issues, and ACP Driu believes targeting this home production is essential to combating the problem.
In related claims, Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free Fiji, mentioned that local meth production has been occurring since 2019. She stated, “During our research in 2019, we uncovered alarming information from coastal communities, the Fiji Fire Authority, and the Fiji Police Force about meth being produced in communities, particularly in squatter settlements.”
Volatabu explained that instructional videos on platforms like YouTube enable individuals to learn step-by-step methods for making meth. She highlighted that there have been instances where people suffered severe burns while attempting to produce the drug. Furthermore, she pointed out that the raw materials for making meth are readily available at hardware stores and supermarkets.
The police are calling on the public to aid in identifying these producers. ACP Driu also mentioned ongoing drug raids in remote islands, with a notable increase in marijuana cultivation reported. However, he stated that no white substances related to methamphetamine have been discovered in those areas.
Police operations are extensive, covering not only Viti Levu and Vanua Levu but also maritime islands. Awareness programs and campaigns are being implemented in these regions, with police presence established on Moala and Vanuabalavu.
On the mainland, police have observed a 37% increase in drug raids compared to the same period last year. ACP Driu commented, “It’s not getting out of hand because we are receiving information about drug locations. We are making significant arrests and raids. The number of incidents may decrease soon due to rising prices of these substances.”