Fiji is facing the threat of becoming a “semi-narco state” due to a growing methamphetamine issue, according to transnational crime expert Jose Sousa-Santos. He warns that this rise could grant undue influence to cartels and criminal syndicates from Southeast Asia and beyond.
The problem is not confined to urban areas on Viti Levu; even the outer islands, such as the Lau Group, are vulnerable. The Lau islands, frequented by international yachties, are susceptible to the influx of illicit drugs, particularly due to a lack of security measures at boarding points like wharves and domestic flight terminals. Recent reports indicate that drugs are already being traded alongside marijuana on Moala island, with alarming signs of drug use among the young population, contributing to a rise in school dropouts and alcohol consumption.
Sousa-Santos highlighted the financial incentive behind the illicit drug trade, suggesting that the profits motivate “foot soldiers” in these networks to remain engaged in drug activities. Notably, a significant methamphetamine seizure earlier this year indicated that a large volume of drugs had been smuggled through Fiji undetected for years.
In addressing the severity of the situation, Sousa-Santos noted, “If law enforcement and governments in the Pacific, including Fiji, do not adapt to the evolving methods of these criminal syndicates, we are destined to fail.”
The number of youth requiring treatment for meth use is increasing at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, where meth has surpassed cannabis as the primary drug of concern. Dr. Balram Pandit, the hospital’s medical superintendent, revealed troubling statistics: eight out of eleven male youth patients seeking treatment use meth, with the youngest patient being just 17. The psychological consequences of meth dependence often lead to additional mental health challenges.
The impact of meth trafficking extends beyond urban centers, disrupting the stability of remote villages in the Lau Group, already grappling with marijuana issues. Sousa-Santos reported that the influence of local gangs erodes traditional societal structures, resulting in increased domestic violence and potential human trafficking.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug-Free World Fiji, expressed concern that the lack of rehabilitation facilities continues to leave individuals in crisis desperate for help. Despite the grim situation, some community members are actively resisting the drug culture. Volatabu emphasized that the local demand for drugs drives the ongoing crisis.
This report marks the conclusion of a six-part series examining the methamphetamine challenges faced by Fiji.