In 2023, over 3,000 students in Fiji were referred to the National Substance Abuse Council (NSAAC), with a concerning number admitting to experimenting with methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice.” The escalating issue has become increasingly alarming, according to NSAAC acting director Josua Naisele, who noted a significant rise in drug-related offenses among primary school students over the past four years. Reports indicated that cases soared from 385 in 2021 to 1,289 in 2022, culminating in 1,578 in 2023.
While the majority of incidents involved marijuana and inhalants, the detection of methamphetamine in schools marked a worrying new trend, particularly affecting secondary school students. Disturbingly, some Year 8 students, around 12 to 13 years old, admitted to using both “ice” and marijuana, with teachers reporting instances of students arriving at school under the influence.
Between 2018 and 2023, the NSAAC documented thousands of cases related to various substances: 4,020 for tobacco use, 3,527 for suki (local tobacco), and 1,415 for glue or benzene sniffing. These figures highlight an urgent need for parents, educators, and policy makers to take action.
Many students reported using drugs as coping mechanisms for trauma or abuse, with many beginning their substance use journey with readily available legal alternatives such as cigarettes, kava, glue, and alcohol before progressing to harder drugs. This issue complicates law enforcement efforts, as substances like glue and kava are not classified as illicit under current laws, limiting the ability to prosecute users.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu emphasized the need for policy revision regarding drug classifications, stating that the current definitions hinder effective interventions. He noted that legal substances often lead young individuals toward harder drugs, necessitating urgent legislative action and collaborative approaches to curb the rising trend of substance abuse within schools.
In light of these challenges, there is hope for community-driven solutions, including the establishment of counseling services and increased awareness initiatives aimed at prevention. By fostering engagement and dialogue among parents, schools, and law enforcement, the community can work together to ensure a safer environment for Fiji’s youth, steering them away from the path of drug abuse and toward a healthier future.
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