Increasing numbers of Fijians from low- and middle-income families are turning to illicit drugs, particularly methamphetamine, commonly referred to as ‘ice,’ as a means to make quick money. This growing trend has raised alarms among the Fiji Police Force and community advocates.
A two-month investigation by Shine a Light into Fiji’s drug trade has unveiled startling findings about the involvement of many young Fijians in the production, sale, and usage of methamphetamine. Although there have been no formal assessments of the financial worth of the meth market in Fiji, law enforcement sources and users estimate its value to be in the billions of dollars.
Earlier this year, police conducted two significant drug operations in Nadi, resulting in the confiscation of 4.15 tonnes of meth, valued at $2 billion. The last notable drug seizure occurred in June 2004, when authorities seized $1 billion worth of meth and raw materials intended for its production at a laboratory in Suva.
Historically, meth has been a domestic issue in Fiji, but recent nationwide awareness campaigns have brought greater attention to the problem. One meth user in his fifties, identified as U.D, noted that while a small amount of meth could cost about $250 in the 1990s and 2000s, today, sex workers can obtain it for as little as $5, making it more accessible than marijuana.
Meth is now prevalent on nearly every street corner across urban and residential areas in Fiji. Many residents are aware of the situation yet often ignore it due to fear or personal connections. Assistant Police Commissioner Livai Driu reported an increase in individuals getting involved with ‘white drugs’ like meth and cocaine. Since 2021, the number of drug-related cases has surged, with meth incidents in the first four months of 2024 exceeding those recorded in the past five years.
The problem is not limited to urban centers; outer islands, particularly the Lau Group, are also grappling with meth issues. Many meth users have shared their experiences of addiction, which often began with marijuana use in low-income families. They described common negative side effects, including significant weight loss and sleep disturbances.
A mother of four, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that peer pressure led her to drug use at an early age. After experiencing severe consequences, including contemplating violence, she stopped using meth. Similarly, Michael, a sex worker in his thirties, spoke about his struggles with sleep deprivation and health issues related to meth usage after starting with marijuana.
Assistant Commissioner Driu pointed out that opportunistic behavior among unemployed youth is a growing concern as their actions become increasingly desperate to fund their drug habits. Statistics indicate a rise in unlawful drug possession cases, with 1,047 incidents recorded in the first seven months of 2024, up from 727 during the same period in 2023. Most offenders belong to the 18 to 35 age group, with numbers on track to surpass previous years.
Local advocate Sesenieli Naitala, known as Bui, is actively working to combat drug abuse through education and outreach. She leads Drug-Free World Fiji and has established a sanctuary for at-risk individuals in Suva. Recently, she conducted an outreach session at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital, facilitating discussions with patients about their drug experiences and recovery.
Naitala recounted the story of a 17-year-old patient who turned to meth as a coping mechanism, illustrating the severe impact of substance abuse on individuals and families. There is an increasing recognition of the drug problem across various sectors, including the community and government.
Fiji is facing a meth crisis, particularly in light of the recent surge in related crimes. However, advocates like Naitala are optimistic that their efforts, in conjunction with police interventions, are fostering meaningful discussions about drug abuse nationwide. This is the first installment of a five-part series exploring the escalating methamphetamine issue in Fiji. As the series continues, further investigation will focus on the local production of meth and its prevalence in remote islands.