Fiji’s geographic location in the Pacific Ocean positions it as a significant transit point for drug cartels transporting illicit substances to Australia and New Zealand. The region has established networks, particularly in Fiji and Tonga, facilitating drug trafficking.
Law enforcement and crime experts have voiced concerns over the increasing influence and tactics of these syndicates as authorities intensify their focus on illegal activities. Recently, a shift has been noted, with local production of methamphetamine, also known as meth or ice, on the rise as residents seek quick profits. Police have conducted raids on homes where meth production equipment has been confiscated, and they are aware of hotspots where meth use is prevalent.
In July, police intercepted drug production equipment believed to have arrived from Canada, which could have been utilized in local meth production. Currently, two identified criminal syndicates in Fiji are known to manufacture their meth, receiving additional illicit drugs from abroad, while a third syndicate only relies on shipments.
The two drug cartels active in Fiji for over a decade are said to have thrived due to the involvement of influential figures in government and law enforcement. Transnational crime expert, Jose Sousa-Santos, claims that these commercial elites facilitate drug movements, leading to widespread community impact in Fiji.
A recent article delves deeper into the drug problem in Fiji, analyzing the transshipment of meth and detailing the journey of 4.15 tonnes of meth that was intercepted in Nadi. The Pacific serves as a crucial transit route for drugs originating from South America and Southeast Asia, with Fiji being a favored stopping point due to its strategic location and economic factors.
Drug traffickers employ various methods to smuggle drugs, using yachts and boats to transport substantial quantities undetected. Upon arrival in Fiji, local networks, including sex workers and mid-level operatives, assist in distributing the drugs, which can be stored or broken down for sale.
The seizure of large amounts of meth in Nadi underscores the complexity of Fiji’s illicit drug network. In December, police tracked the arrival of 4.15 tonnes of meth via a hired barge at a Nadi marina, with extensive planning weeks ahead. It was revealed that the operation required specific navigation using grid coordinates and satellite communication to coordinate pickups.
Drugs were distributed across local networks, where people, often unaware of the drug activities, assisted in storage and transport. Some local business owners and associates were involved, forming connections through family and mutual acquaintances.
Crime experts noted that local gangs often act as foot soldiers, engaging in violent acts and linking up with higher-level operatives who manage broader drug trafficking operations. Following the drug busts, only mid-level operators were apprehended, with no significant arrests of those orchestrating the large-scale operations.
The situation highlights significant gaps in tackling serious criminal hierarchies operating within Fiji, with calls for focused attention on detecting high-level facilitators behind such extensive drug movements.