Fijians from low- and middle-income families are increasingly turning to illicit drugs, especially methamphetamine, known as ‘ice,’ as a means of generating quick income. This troubling trend has raised concerns among the Fiji Police Force and advocates.
A two-month investigation by Shine a Light into the illicit drug trade in Fiji uncovered alarming findings regarding how many Fijians, particularly youth, are engaging in the local production, distribution, and consumption of methamphetamine. While there are no formal studies estimating the monetary value of the ice market in Fiji, police sources and users suggest it could be worth billions. Earlier this year, law enforcement conducted two significant drug operations in Nadi, seizing 4.15 tonnes of meth valued at around $2 billion.
The last major drug bust took place in June 2004, where authorities confiscated $1 billion worth of meth and its production chemicals from a laboratory in Suva’s Laucala Beach industrial zone. Methamphetamine has traditionally been prevalent in domestic usage but has recently gained attention due to national awareness campaigns and advocacy.
One meth user in his fifties, referred to as U.D, noted that in the 1990s and 2000s, a small amount of meth could cost around $250 on the street. Nowadays, sex workers can inject meth for as little as $5, making it more accessible than marijuana. The drug is reportedly available at nearly every corner of Fiji’s cities, towns, and residential areas, with many locals aware of this but reluctant to speak out due to fear and community ties.
According to Livai Driu, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Operations, the involvement of more individuals in ‘white drugs,’ including meth and cocaine, has been evident. Since 2021, illicit drug cases have surged, with 2024 seeing a record number of meth-related incidents within the first four months, surpassing those from the previous five years. Driu emphasized the challenge posed by the situation.
Meth use is no longer limited to urban and sub-urban regions of Viti Levu; even the outer islands, like the Lau Groups, are now facing serious issues with drug abuse, a battle the government admits is being lost.
Reports from users highlight that many come from low-income backgrounds and began their addiction at a young age, often worsening as they associate with others who use drugs. The negative impacts of meth addiction are common knowledge among these individuals, with repercussions including significant weight loss and insomnia.
One mother, Vabauta, shared her story of falling into drugs due to peer pressure and eventually using meth alongside marijuana and other substances. She revealed that her meth use led her to contemplate harm against others and forced her into isolation. Similarly, Michael, a sex worker in his thirties, recounted how meth distorted his health and well-being after he began using it three years ago.
Driu pointed out the troubling behavior emerging among unemployed youth, as police intensify their efforts to combat drug supply, especially in urban settings. Statistics show that over the first seven months of 2024, unlawful possession of illicit drugs cases reached 1,047, a significant increase from 727 cases during the same period in 2023. The majority of registered drug offenders since 2019 have been aged between 18 and 35, with figures in 2024 indicating a potential rise from the previous year.
One local advocate, Sesenieli Naitala, known as Bui, is actively working to combat substance abuse in Fiji. She volunteers for Drug-Free World Fiji, a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness about drug issues, particularly among youth. Bui has also established a sanctuary in Suva for sex workers and addicts, where she helps facilitate their recovery.
Her outreach programs, especially at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital, allow her to engage with individuals battling addiction. Bui shares the story of a young patient who used meth as a coping mechanism for overwhelming life experiences, illustrating the severe risks associated with substance abuse.
The need for awareness and intervention is ever-growing in Fiji, especially as cases of meth-related crimes continue to increase. Bui’s advocacy work is gaining recognition, driving conversations about drug problems across communities and institutions.
This article is the first part of a five-part series exploring the escalating methamphetamine crisis in Fiji, with upcoming segments planned to investigate local drug production and prevalence in outer islands.