Fiji faces a significant risk of becoming a “semi-narco state” as the country confronts a growing methamphetamine crisis. Transnational crime expert Jose Sousa-Santos warns that if the situation continues to escalate, criminal organizations from Southeast Asia and beyond will gain substantial influence over the nation.
The issue is not confined to urban areas on the main island of Viti Levu; even remote regions like the Lau Group are vulnerable due to their appeal to international yacht visitors. The geographical characteristics of Lau, along with inadequate security measures at passenger boarding points such as wharfs and airport terminals, make the area more prone to the infiltration of illegal drugs. Reports indicate that white illicit drugs are already being exchanged for marijuana on Moala Island.
Fiji’s youth population is displaying alarming trends in drug use, correlated with an increasing number of school dropouts and high rates of alcohol consumption. Sousa-Santos highlighted the profitability of the illegal drug trade, suggesting that the existing financial incentives for local traffickers could exacerbate the issue. “Is it going to get worse? Fiji is at risk now,” he asserted.
He noted that financial gains from drug trafficking will enable organized crime to persist. Multiple criminal syndicates have reportedly operated unchecked in Fiji for years, aided by ties with influential business figures. Sousa-Santos described recent large-scale methamphetamine seizures as indicative of a longstanding problem of drug trafficking in the country that has gone largely unnoticed.
As part of the ongoing investigation into Fiji’s meth issue, experts reflect on the societal impacts of meth trafficking. Sousa-Santos observed that three or four years ago, many were unaware of the potential consequences of meth on Fijian society. He emphasized a need for preparedness as drug syndicates evolve and adopt new strategies similar to those seen in the U.S. and Southeast Asia.
The surge in meth usage among the youth has become evident at the St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, where meth use has surpassed cannabis as the most commonly used drug among young patients. The medical superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Balram Pandit, reported that meth dependence often leads to additional mental health problems, making it crucial for patients to commit to their recovery for effective treatment.
The trafficking crisis is not only affecting the youth but also destabilizing remote villages, particularly the Lau Group, which is already dealing with marijuana-related issues. Sousa-Santos indicated that the influence of local gangs in these areas is eroding traditional community structures and contributing to increased instances of domestic violence and human trafficking, both within Fiji and beyond.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug-Free World Fiji, expressed concern over the lack of facilities for rehabilitating substance abuse patients and highlighted the continuous demand for drugs in local communities. Nevertheless, she noted that some villagers are resisting the trends of addiction and crime, showcasing a desire to reclaim their communities.
This article concludes a six-part series addressing the methamphetamine crisis in Fiji.