Concerns have arisen among village leaders in Lau regarding reports of marijuana being exchanged for methamphetamine among some youths, particularly on the island of Moala. Investigations by local advocacy group Shine a Light during visits to Moala and Vanuabalavu have revealed alarming indications of methamphetamine use among the islands’ young population.
The Fiji Police Narcotics Bureau in Suva has been notified, but they have not yet obtained substantial evidence to combat the issue. Reports suggest that methamphetamine is being smuggled to the islands via villagers who travel on passenger boats from Suva, exploiting the insufficient security measures at the wharf and the limited presence of police on the islands.
Young residents of the Lau Group are increasingly exposed to methamphetamine through various means, including yachts, inter-island shipping, domestic flights, and even online tutorials on drug preparation. Village heads from the 72 villages in the province are worried that meth use could disrupt the peace and traditional lifestyle of the islands.
Roko Tui Lau Jaji Kalounivalu stated that while marijuana cultivation and use have been longstanding issues, new reports from Vanuabalavu, Ono-i-Lau, Lakeba, and Moala indicate that methamphetamine is now infiltrating these communities. He noted that although the current number of young meth users may be small, the potential for rapid spread within the small population is a significant concern.
The Lau Group consists of over 50 islands, with only 19 of them inhabited, and has an estimated population of around 80,000. Current data suggests that approximately 6,800 villagers reside on the islands, with the male youth demographic (ages 10-30) being particularly prevalent.
Marijuana has been noted as being illegally cultivated and used among the youth, but the discovery of packaged cocaine on some islands in 2018 has raised concerns about the entry of more dangerous drugs into the region. Station officer Biutoka Vuli from the Moala Community Post is aware of links between local groups and drug dealers with connections to Suva.
Signs of drug use, such as early school dropouts, increased alcohol consumption, and rising instances of violence among young males, are becoming evident. Medical officer Dr. Fifita Niulevu has observed a surge in physical assault cases linked to alcohol abuse.
Community leaders, such as the headman of Nasoki Village, attribute drug trafficking to connections with the main island of Viti Levu and emphasize the urgent need for government intervention to curb the influx of illicit drugs. While Vanuabalavu appears to be only dealing with marijuana at present, there are suspicions that drug trafficking routes may be established in the region.
Local fishing communities have found unfamiliar nets, which they believe may be tied to drug trafficking operations. They report that several yachts visit their area each week, raising concerns about the potential for drug activity.
In October 2018, a local youth stumbled upon a package that later turned out to contain cocaine, highlighting the threat of drug infiltration in the area. Critics have pointed out the inadequacies in police monitoring of wharfs and domestic terminals, insisting on a more robust presence to help deter drug trafficking. While there are calls for increased security measures, the pervasive nature of drug issues in society continues to be a pressing concern.