Fijians from low- and middle-income families are increasingly turning to illicit drugs, particularly methamphetamine, or ‘ice,’ as a means of making quick money. This emerging trend has raised concerns among the Fiji Police Force and various advocacy groups.
A recent two-month investigation conducted by Shine a Light into the illicit drug trade in Fiji has uncovered troubling findings regarding the involvement of many Fijians, especially youths, in the local production, sale, and consumption of methamphetamine. While no official studies have quantified the ice market in Fiji, police sources and drug users suggest that its market value could be in the billions of dollars.
Earlier this year, the police conducted two significant drug raids in Nadi, resulting in the seizure of 4.15 tonnes of meth valued at $2 billion. Prior to this, the last major drug bust occurred in June 2004, when authorities confiscated $1 billion worth of ice and chemicals used for its production from a laboratory in Suva.
Methamphetamine has historically been a locally used drug, but recent nationwide awareness programs and advocacy efforts have brought the issue to the forefront. One user in his fifties, referred to as U.D, noted that in the 1990s and 2000s, a small amount of meth would cost around $250, but today, sex workers can inject it for as little as $5, making it cheaper than marijuana.
Meth is readily available on nearly every street corner across Fiji’s urban areas, with many residents aware of its presence yet often reluctant to speak out due to fear and personal connections to users. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Operations, Livai Driu, indicated an uptick in involvement with “white drugs” such as meth and cocaine. Since 2021, there has been a significant increase in registered illicit drug cases, with more instances of meth being reported in the first four months of 2024 than in the previous five years.
Driu mentioned, “It’s quite a challenge for us,” referring to the expanded use of meth beyond urban centers, impacting outer islands, particularly the Lau group, where the government acknowledges it is losing the battle against drug abuse.
Interviews with users highlight the common thread of addiction stemming from early exposure to marijuana and social circles. A mother of four, identified as Vabauta, cited peer influence as the catalyst for her addiction, which included meth and other substances. She eventually ceased meth use after experiencing its violent effects and extreme weight loss. A similar story was shared by Michael, a sex worker who began using marijuana at 17 and turned to meth three years ago, describing severe health consequences including prolonged sleeplessness.
Police statistics reveal an alarming 1,047 unlawful drug possession cases during the first seven months of 2024, a sharp increase from 727 offenses in the same timeframe the previous year. Most offenders fall within the 18 to 35 age range, with many coming from squatter and informal settlements.
Local advocate Sesenieli Naitala, known as Bui, is actively working to address the drug crisis through awareness and community outreach. She works with the non-profit Drug-Free World Fiji and runs a sanctuary for at-risk populations in Suva. Bui has noted an increasing recognition of the drug problem in Fiji, with outreach efforts gaining traction post-pandemic.
She shared stories from her interactions with individuals struggling with addiction, including a 17-year-old girl whose substance use stemmed from traumatic experiences. Bui emphasized the need to bring attention to the risk factors associated with drug use in order to foster recovery and safety among vulnerable youths.
With plans for further investigations into the local production of meth and its prevalence on outer islands, Bui believes that collective efforts involving schools, families, and communities are crucial in tackling this growing crisis.