Fijians from low- and middle-income backgrounds are increasingly turning to illicit drugs, particularly methamphetamine, as a means to make quick money. This troubling trend has raised concerns for both the Fiji Police Force and various advocacy groups.
A recent two-month investigation by Shine a Light uncovered alarming findings about the engagement of Fijians, especially youth, in the local production, sale, and consumption of methamphetamine. While there have been no formal studies to gauge the financial scale of the ice market in Fiji, police sources and users estimate it to be worth billions.
Earlier this year, two significant drug raids in Nadi led to the confiscation of 4.15 tonnes of meth valued at $2 billion. Prior to this, the last major drug seizure took place in June 2004, when authorities seized $1 billion worth of meth and related chemicals in a lab in Suva.
Meth has typically been a domestic drug, but recent awareness initiatives have highlighted its growing prevalence. A 50-year-old user, identified only as U.D, recounted that in the 90s and 2000s, a small amount of meth would cost approximately $250, while today, sex workers can inject meth for as little as $5, making it more affordable than marijuana.
Meth is readily available across urban areas of Fiji, with many residents aware of its presence but often choosing to ignore it due to fear and social ties. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Livai Driu, noted a rise in individuals involved in “white drugs,” including meth and cocaine. Since 2021, illicit drug cases have surged, with more meth cases reported in early 2024 than in the previous five years.
Driu highlighted the challenge police face as meth use spreads from urban centers into outer islands, particularly among low-income families. Users reported severe health issues, including weight loss and sleeplessness. Vabauta, a mother of four, shared her experience of addiction, attributing it to peer pressure and expressing relief after overcoming her meth habit, which had led her to contemplate violence.
Michael, a sex worker in his 30s, began using meth three years ago and described the negative impact it had on his health, including extended periods of insomnia. U.D recounted the physical changes and psychological effects he faced while using meth, including paranoia and mood swings.
Police statistics show a dramatic increase in drug offenses, with 1,047 unlawful possession cases recorded in the first seven months of 2024, compared to 727 in the same timeframe the previous year. The majority of offenders are young adults aged between 18 and 35.
Local advocate Sesenieli Naitala, known as Bui, is actively working to address the drug crisis by raising awareness about substance abuse. She leads Drug-Free World Fiji, which is focused on tackling the issue primarily among the youth. Bui also founded the Survival Advocacy Network, a refuge for sex workers and drug users.
During an outreach session at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital, Bui shared stories of patients, including a 17-year-old meth user seeking to cope with traumatic experiences. These narratives illustrate the perilous consequences of substance abuse affecting personal safety and well-being.
Bui believes that her activism, combined with police enforcement efforts, is enhancing the dialogue around meth in Fiji. She emphasized the communal recognition of the drug crisis and the commitment toward addressing it, encouraging involvement from schools, families, and the broader society.
This article is the first in a five-part series that will further explore the methamphetamine issue in Fiji, examining its local production and its prevalence in outer islands.