Nine boys tragically lost their lives to drug overdoses in Fiji last year, as reported by Inspector Usaia Donu of the Fiji Police Narcotics Division. During a recent gathering at the All Nations Christian Fellowship Generation Youth Conference in Lautoka, Insp Donu highlighted the alarming rise in overdoses linked to methamphetamine use among youths.
He referenced a statement from the Minister for Women and Children, who indicated that eight young boys in Nadi had died from meth overdoses in 2024. Insp Donu shared his own recent visit to a hospital, where doctors revealed that they were overwhelmed by the consequences of substance abuse, noting that they could not save nine boys who succumbed to overdoses.
The inspector expressed deep sorrow over this rising trend, emphasizing the urgent need for Fiji’s youth to comprehend the severe physical and mental impacts of meth consumption. “When you come down from your high, you experience depression, pain, and paranoia,” he cautioned, explaining how meth disrupts the brain’s ability to produce feelings of joy.
Insp Donu further articulated the concept that drugs can lead individuals into a dark cycle where they find themselves constantly chasing a high that becomes increasingly elusive. He remarked on the historical context of stimulant use, recalling how similar substances were employed during World War I to keep soldiers alert in battle—a practice that showcased the potent effects of such drugs.
Insp Donu stressed the importance of understanding the risks associated with meth use, indicating that police may need backup when confronting individuals under the influence, as their lack of fear can lead to dangerous situations. Currently, police investigations are ongoing to determine whether the nine overdose cases occurred specifically in the West or across other divisions.
This situation reflects a growing public health challenge in Fiji, where the critical need for awareness and education about the dangers of drugs has never been more pressing. With concerted community and governmental efforts, there remains hope for positive change and support for the youth battling addiction.
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