Fijians from low- and middle-income families are increasingly turning to illicit drugs, particularly methamphetamine, or ‘ice’, as a means of quick income, raising concerns among the Fiji Police Force and advocacy groups. An investigation by Shine a Light over two months has uncovered alarming trends regarding the local production, sale, and use of methamphetamine among many Fijians, especially the youth.
While there are no formal studies assessing the financial impact of the meth market in Fiji, police and users estimate it is worth billions. Earlier this year, police conducted two significant drug raids in Nadi, resulting in the seizure of 4.15 tonnes of meth valued at $2 billion. The last major bust occurred in June 2004 when authorities confiscated $1 billion worth of meth and its production chemicals from a laboratory in Suva’s Laucala Beach industrial area.
Meth has been a commonly used drug in Fiji, now exacerbated by increasing awareness and advocacy programs. One meth user in his fifties, who identified himself as U.D., recalled that a small amount of meth cost around $250 in the 90s and 2000s. Today, sex workers can purchase meth for as little as $5, undercutting even the price of marijuana. The availability of meth is pervasive across Fijian cities and towns, often overlooked due to fears of reprisal and personal relationships.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Operations, Livai Driu, noted a rise in individuals involved with “white drugs” such as meth and cocaine. Since 2021, the number of registered illicit drug cases has surged, with more meth-related cases reported in just the first four months of 2024 than in the previous five years combined.
Driu acknowledged that the problem is not limited to urban areas but has spread to outer islands, notably the Lau Group, where the government admits to struggling against the issue. Many users identified themselves as marijuana addicts from low-income backgrounds, whose substance use began early and worsened through peer influence. They reported severe consequences of meth addiction, including significant weight loss and insomnia.
Vabauta, a mother of four, related her early drug use to peer pressure, claiming that meth pushed her toward thoughts of violence and isolation. She recounted periods of sleeplessness lasting up to 14 consecutive days due to her addiction. Similarly, Michael, a sex worker in his thirties, shared that his meth use began three years ago, causing significant health issues, including prolonged insomnia.
U.D. acknowledged that his addiction started with social drinking, eventually leading to meth use that drastically altered his behavior and health, often resulting in noticeable physical changes. Confessions from these users reveal a pattern of fear, paranoia, and aggressive behavior as side effects of meth.
Statistics provided by Driu indicate 1,047 cases of unlawful possession of illicit drugs in the first seven months of 2024, up from 727 during the same period in 2023. Offenders, primarily aged 18 to 35, have shown an increasing trend; this year alone, 718 individuals have been recorded as offenders, compared to 514 last year.
Local advocacy efforts led by Sesenieli Naitala, also known as Bui, aim to address the growing issue of drug abuse. She heads Drug-Free World Fiji, which focuses on raising awareness about substance abuse, particularly among youth. Bui started a sanctuary for sex workers and addicts in Suva, providing outreach sessions at facilities like the St. Giles Psychiatric Hospital.
Real change is seen as possible, as Bui described how the stigma surrounding discussions of drug abuse is slowly fading. More community engagement is being observed, with discussions about drug issues becoming commonplace. She emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue about Fiji’s meth crisis, especially following the rise in meth-related crimes over the past year. Bui believes her advocacy, alongside police enforcement, is advancing public awareness and action against drug abuse in the nation.