Fiji’s geographical location, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, positions it as a prime point for transnational drug cartels to transport illegal substances to Australia and New Zealand. Cartels have established networks throughout the Pacific, particularly in Fiji and Tonga, raising concerns among police and experts in transnational crime.
While Fiji is often viewed merely as a transit hub, local production of methamphetamine, commonly known as meth or ice, is on the rise, with residents seeking quick profits. Police have conducted raids on homes where meth production equipment was found, identifying areas with high usage rates. In July, authorities seized equipment imported from Canada intended for drug manufacturing at a warehouse in Nadi.
Currently, police are aware of two criminal syndicates that both produce their own meth and receive drugs from abroad, while a third syndicate only processes imports. Although the exact locations of meth production in Fiji remain unknown, investigations are ongoing to profile and expose these criminal networks.
Experts like Jose Sousa-Santos, who specializes in transnational crime in the Pacific, suggest that the sustained presence of these cartels in Fiji, some for over a decade, is due to the involvement of influential figures within government and law enforcement. He claims that commercial elites facilitate drug movement that negatively impacts local communities.
The Pacific serves as a crucial route for drugs shipped from South America and Southeast Asia to Australian and New Zealand markets. Fiji’s geographical and economic landscape makes it a favorable point for drug transshipment. Authorities have noted that various tactics are employed by the cartels to adapt their operations to the region.
The investigation highlights how organized crime operates in Fiji, involving networks that transport drugs by air, sea, and through human carriers. Yachts and small boats are often utilized to deliver large quantities of illegal substances undetected. Within Fiji, a local network comprising vulnerable individuals helps facilitate their activities.
Recent drug raids in Nadi underscore the complexity of the illicit drug network. Last December, a substantial shipment of meth arrived in Fiji via a hired barge after months of planning. Multiple trips were conducted by operatives, using a series of boats to transport drugs from a superyacht to local marinas. Ultimately, more than four tons of meth were seized, revealing the extent and sophistication of the operations.
These drug trafficking activities demonstrate that local criminal organizations, often comprised of unsuspecting individuals, have become deeply entangled with larger international syndicates. Despite arrests of several mid-tier operatives following the Nadi busts, experts assert that those truly orchestrating such operations—individuals at much higher levels—are often left untouched.
The growing meth problem in Fiji not only attracts attention within law enforcement but also raises concerns about the societal ramifications as local involvement in this drug trade expands.