Fiji faces an increasing threat of becoming a “semi-narco state” due to a growing methamphetamine crisis, warns transnational crime expert Jose Sousa-Santos. He highlights that criminal organizations from Southeast Asia and other regions could gain significant influence over the country if the situation continues to escalate.
The problem is not limited to urban areas like Viti Levu; remote islands, particularly the Lau Group, are also at risk due to a lack of security measures at transport hubs, making them vulnerable to drug trafficking. On Moala Island, illicit drugs are already being traded alongside marijuana, and alarming signs of drug dependence are emerging among the youth, with rising numbers of school dropouts and alcohol abuse.
Sousa-Santos noted that the profits generated by the drug trade will perpetuate its existence, stating, “Fiji is at risk now.” He emphasized that while some criminal networks have operated in Fiji for years, recent large drug seizures indicate an increasing volume of meth being trafficked through the country.
Experts now recognize the deepening impact of meth use on society, which presents risks such as intravenous drug use and human trafficking. Sousa-Santos remarked on the need for proactive measures, warning that if law enforcement does not adapt to the evolving tactics of these criminal groups, they face the risk of failure.
The surge in meth use among Fiji’s youth is particularly concerning. At St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, meth has replaced cannabis as the leading substance of abuse. Medical professionals acknowledge that addressing substance dependence requires the motivation of the individuals seeking help, as treatment combines medical interventions with therapy and counseling.
The meth issue is destabilizing not just urban settings but also traditional village structures within the Lau Group, contributing to a rise in domestic violence and trafficking. Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug-Free World Fiji, expressed concern over the lack of rehabilitation facilities and the increasing demand for support as communities grapple with the realities of addiction.
Despite this challenging landscape, some villagers are beginning to resist the drug culture, focusing on breaking the cycle of addiction that has affected generations. They recognize that the local demand for drugs is substantial, further complicating the efforts to address this issue.
This article concludes a six-part series focusing on the methamphetamine crisis in Fiji.