There are growing concerns in the Lau province regarding the alleged exchange of marijuana for methamphetamine among youth, particularly on the island of Moala. Village leaders have reported that meth use is becoming increasingly common among the young population.
Reports gathered during visits to Moala and Vanuabalavu indicate that meth is now making its way to the islands, reportedly smuggled by locals who travel from Suva. While the Fiji Police Narcotics Bureau has been notified, they have yet to collect any substantial evidence to support these claims due to limited policing resources.
Young residents of Lau are increasingly exposed to drugs through various means, including yachts, inter-island ferries, domestic flights, and online tutorials. Village chiefs representing the 72 villages in the province have expressed serious concerns about the potential impact of meth on the islands’ peaceful way of life.
Roko Tui Lau Jaji Kalounivalu highlighted that while marijuana has been common on the islands, recent reports from other locations like Vanuabalavu and Ono-i-Lau indicate the arrival of methamphetamine. He warned that even if only a few youths are currently involved, the risk of widespread use in the small population is substantial.
The Lau Group consists of over 50 islands, with around 19 inhabited, housing a total population of about 80,000, according to census data. The majority of the youth population falls within the age group of 10 to 30 years.
Local authorities are particularly noting troubling behaviors among male youths, including school dropouts and increased instances of alcohol-related violence. Medical personnel in Moala have observed rising physical assault cases attributed to drinking among the youth, raising fears that illicit drugs could add to the existing issues.
On Vanuabalavu, while meth use has not yet been confirmed, marijuana cultivation and usage remain prevalent. Concerns have emerged regarding possible drug trafficking routes through floating nets found in the ocean, prompting village officials to remain vigilant.
The island’s residents have been increasing their awareness and discussions surrounding illicit drug use, emphasizing a community effort to combat the encroaching drug issue. They fear the potential consequences, emphasizing the need for governmental intervention to halt the flow of drugs to their islands.
In previous years, the discovery of cocaine packages along the shores of Lau hinted at the risk of hard drugs entering local communities. The Police have faced criticism for inadequate regulation of shipping routes, with calls for improved visibility and monitoring to prevent drug trafficking.
This issue highlights the pressing problem of drug-related activities in Fiji’s remote areas and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat drug trafficking and use on the islands.