Fijians from low- and middle-income families are increasingly turning to illicit drugs, specifically methamphetamine, also known as ‘ice’, as a way to make quick money. This unsettling trend has raised concerns among the Fiji Police Force and advocacy groups.
A two-month investigation conducted by Shine a Light has uncovered alarming data regarding the local drug trade in Fiji. The findings reveal that many Fijians, predominantly young individuals, are devoting time and resources to the production, sale, and consumption of methamphetamine.
While no comprehensive studies have assessed the monetary value of the meth market in Fiji, police officials and drug users estimate it could be worth billions. Earlier this year, police conducted two major drug raids in Nadi, confiscating 4.15 tonnes of meth valued at approximately $2 billion. A significant drug bust prior to this occurred in June 2004, where a laboratory in Suva was raided, resulting in the seizure of $1 billion worth of meth and production chemicals.
Meth has typically been viewed as a domestic drug, but recent national awareness campaigns and advocacy work are attempting to address its prevalence. Users reflecting on their experiences noted a drastic change in the cost of meth over the years, with one former user recounting how the price for a small quantity has plummeted from $250 in the ’90s to as low as $5.
Across various locations in Fiji’s urban areas, meth is easily accessible. Despite widespread awareness of its availability, many locals choose to ignore the issue, often out of fear or personal connections to those involved with drugs. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, noted an uptick in engagement with “white drugs,” including both meth and cocaine.
Since 2021, there has been a notable increase in reported drug cases, with meth-related incidents already surpassing totals from the previous five years within the first quarter of 2024. Driu acknowledged the difficulty this trend presents for law enforcement.
The meth issue is no longer confined to urban settings; even remote islands, particularly the Lau Group, are grappling with the challenge—a situation the government admits is deteriorating. Many users interviewed reported a history of marijuana addiction starting at a young age, leading them to a dependency on meth, which resulted in serious health impacts, including severe weight loss and insomnia.
A mother of four, known as Vabauta, described how peer pressure influenced her addiction to various substances, including meth. She shared her experience of contemplating violence during her usage, which ultimately led to her distancing from family. Another user, Michael, a thirty-something sex worker, recounted the grave health consequences of his meth use, including insomnia lasting over a week.
Mr. Driu provided statistics that illustrate the scope of the issue. In the first seven months of 2024, there were 1,047 cases of illegal drug possession, a jump from 727 offenses in the same period in 2023. Since 2019, the majority of registered drug offenders have been aged between 18 and 35. The current year’s data suggests the numbers will only continue to rise.
Advocate Sesenieli Naitala, affectionately known as Bui, is actively working to change the landscape of drug abuse in Fiji. She volunteers with Drug-Free World Fiji and has established a support network for sex workers and drug users in Suva. Her outreach efforts, such as those conducted at St. Giles Psychiatric Hospital, aim to assist individuals facing addiction and provide a platform for discussing the reasons behind their drug use.
Bui shared a poignant story of a 17-year-old patient who turned to meth to cope with personal hardships. This patient’s experiences highlight the risks that substance abuse poses to the safety and well-being of individuals.
Drug-Free World Fiji resumed its outreach efforts following a break during the pandemic, and Bui noted a growing awareness among community members regarding the drug crisis. She expressed optimism that her advocacy is making a difference, prompting dialogues among families, youth, and broader societal groups about drug issues.
This report marks the first installment of a five-part series focused on the escalating methamphetamine crisis in Fiji, with future installments anticipated to explore the local manufacturing of the drug and its prevalence in outer islands.