Fiji faces the impending risk of deteriorating into a “semi-narco state” as the nation confronts a growing crisis with methamphetamine, according to transnational crime expert Jose Sousa-Santos. If the situation deteriorates, it could lead to increased control by criminal cartels and syndicates from Southeast Asia and beyond.
The issue is not confined to urban areas in Viti Levu; even the remote Lau Group islands, which attract international yacht visitors, are at risk. The geographic layout of these islands, coupled with insufficient security measures at points such as wharves and domestic flight terminals, makes them vulnerable to the influx of illicit drugs like meth, which are reportedly being exchanged for marijuana on Moala island.
The youth in these island communities are already showing worrisome trends in drug use, highlighted by a rising number of school dropouts and increased alcohol consumption. Sousa-Santos noted the financial incentives that support the underground drug trade and emphasized that Fiji is currently at risk of worsening conditions.
He explained that the local profits from drug trafficking ensure the ongoing operation of criminal networks that cater to the financial interests of elites engaged in the drug trade. Previous investigations have indicated that various organized crime syndicates have been operating in Fiji for over a decade, often with the support of influential business figures.
The growing volume of meth trafficking by these sophisticated organizations is alarming, especially following a significant seizure of meth earlier this year. Sousa-Santos pointed out that this recent confiscation suggests a long-standing issue with meth distribution in Fiji, previously undetected.
In the final installment of an investigative series, experts will reflect on the social impact of meth trafficking in local communities. Sousa-Santos noted that just a few years ago, the public had limited awareness of the impending consequences of meth use on Fijian society, including the rise in intravenous drug abuse and human trafficking.
He articulated the need for heightened vigilance, stating that if law enforcement and government entities do not adapt to the evolving tactics of drug syndicates, the situation will worsen.
At the St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, the rise in meth use among the youth is evident, with the drug surpassing cannabis as the primary substance of abuse. Medical Superintendent Dr. Balram Pandit reported a notable increase in meth cases, with nine out of eleven young male patients undergoing treatment dependent on meth. The youngest admitted patient is just 17 years old. This drug dependence frequently leads to additional mental health challenges, and the hospital employs various therapeutic approaches for treatment.
Additionally, the meth trafficking issue is exacerbating instability in remote villages, where local gangs are contributing to the erosion of traditional social structures. This disruption not only fuels domestic violence but also drives young people towards urban centers, increasing their vulnerability to the sex trade and human trafficking.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug-Free World Fiji, acknowledged that the lack of dedicated rehabilitation facilities for substance abuse has persisted since 2019. Many in the community feel trapped, fearing retaliation for exposing drug-related issues while others are beginning to challenge the drug culture.
Villagers are increasingly voicing their opposition to the growing drug problem, indicating a local demand that continues to drive the crisis. This series seeks to shed light on the multifaceted challenges posed by the methamphetamine issue in Fiji.