Fijians from low- and middle-income families are increasingly turning to illicit drugs, particularly methamphetamine—commonly known as ‘ice’—as a means of quick financial gain. This alarming trend has raised concerns among the Fiji Police Force and various advocacy groups.
A two-month investigation conducted by Shine a Light has unveiled disturbing insights into the local drug trade, highlighting how a significant number of Fijians, especially youth, are engaging in the production, sale, and usage of methamphetamine. While no formal studies have assessed the financial scale of the meth market in Fiji, law enforcement sources and users claim that its value could be in the billions.
Earlier this year, two major drug raids in Nadi resulted in the confiscation of 4.15 tonnes of meth, valued at approximately $2 billion. The last significant seizure occurred in June 2004, when $1 billion worth of meth and chemicals were taken from a laboratory in Suva.
Meth has historically been a more localized drug, but the recent nationwide awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts suggest a shift. A middle-aged user, identified as U.D., recounted that in the 1990s, a small street purchase of meth could cost around $250. Currently, some sex workers are able to inject meth for as little as $5, making it more affordable than marijuana.
Meth availability is widespread, often found at nearly every corner in Fiji’s urban and suburban areas, and many locals are aware of its prevalence yet choose to ignore it due to fear and personal connections. Police Assistant Commissioner of Operations, Livai Driu, noted a rise in the involvement of individuals in drugs like meth and cocaine. The number of illicit drug cases has surged since 2021, with meth-related incidents increasing sharply in early 2024 compared to the prior five years.
Driu highlighted the extensive spread of meth usage beyond urban Viti Levu, noting that outer islands, particularly the Lau Group, are beginning to face similar issues. Meth users reportedly come from low-income backgrounds and often started their substance use with marijuana at a young age, which escalated due to association with other drug users. Physical and emotional challenges, including weight loss and severe sleep deprivation, were commonly reported.
One mother, Vabauta, shared her history of drug use, influenced by peers, stating she had used various substances, including meth. She eventually stopped due to its detrimental effects on her life. Similarly, Michael, a 30-something sex worker, described the negative health impacts following his transition from marijuana to meth use three years ago.
Driu explained that many individuals, especially the unemployed youth, are resorting to theft and other crimes to fund their drug purchases, particularly affecting those from informal and squatter settlements. Moreover, statistics indicate that from January to July 2024, 1,047 cases of unlawful possession of illicit drugs were reported, a significant increase from 727 cases in the same timeframe the previous year.
Local advocate Sesenieli Naitala, known as Bui, is actively working to combat the country’s increasing drug problem by raising awareness about the consequences of substance abuse. As a volunteer for Drug-Free World Fiji and the founder of a sanctuary for those struggling with addiction in Suva, she emphasizes outreach efforts in places like the St Giles Psychiatric Hospital.
Bui noted the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for drug use, such as a 17-year-old patient at St Giles who admitted to using meth as a coping mechanism for her struggles. The rising drug-related issues have prompted acknowledgment and dialogue within communities, churches, and governmental bodies about the meth crisis in Fiji.
The current situation is concerning, but advocates believe their efforts, alongside police interventions, are fostering greater awareness and conversation about drug use across the nation. As the series on the growing methamphetamine problem in Fiji continues, the investigation will explore the local production and widespread availability of this illicit drug, particularly in the outer islands.