Concerns have been raised by village leaders in Lau, particularly on Moala Island, regarding the alleged exchange of marijuana among some youths for methamphetamine sourced from Suva. Reports gathered during visits to Moala and Vanuabalavu indicate that meth use is becoming a growing issue among young people in these areas.
The Fiji Police Narcotics Bureau has been informed, yet concrete evidence remains elusive. It is suspected that meth is being smuggled into the islands via other Lau villagers who travel on passenger boats from Suva, attributed to insufficient police security checks at the wharf and limited local resources.
Young residents of the Lau Group are increasingly exposed to methamphetamine through various channels, including yachts, inter-island shipping, domestic flights, and online tutorials detailing its production. Village headmen from the 72 villages in the province are alarmed that meth use could undermine the community’s peace and traditional lifestyle.
Roko Tui Lau Jaji Kalounivalu expressed the council’s concerns for the well-being and future of island residents. While marijuana was long recognized as being cultivated and used locally, reports have surfaced from Vanuabalavu, Ono-i-Lau, Lakeba, and Moala indicating the emergence of methamphetamine.
Kalounivalu cautioned that although meth usage is not widespread among the youth currently, the small population size could allow it to spread rapidly. The Lau Group consists of over 50 islands, with only 19 inhabited and a population estimated at around 80,000, including approximately 6,800 villagers.
Recent observations have highlighted troubling trends such as school dropouts among young males, escalating alcohol consumption, and rising violence among the youth, indicating possible drug-related issues. Medical personnel in Naroi, Moala, are reporting increased cases of physical assaults linked to alcohol, raising fears that the introduction of illicit drugs could exacerbate these problems.
Villagers and local leaders assert their belief that drugs are trafficked from Viti Levu to the islands, calling for government intervention to stop this trend. While Vanuabalavu currently reports no meth use, there are ongoing concerns about marijuana cultivation and its potential connection to drug trafficking.
Concerns were also voiced regarding nets found tied to buoys in the ocean, suspected to be linked to drug trafficking, as villagers aim to raise awareness about illicit drugs within their communities.
Past incidents have left a mark, such as the discovery of cocaine packages on local beaches, which prompted fears of drug influx into their communities. Criticism has also been directed at the police for their insufficient presence and monitoring of shipping activities in the area, with local business owners urging more proactive measures to combat drug trafficking.
This issue highlights the urgent need for increased oversight and intervention to prevent the spread of drug use in the Lau Group, with community leaders advocating for more resources and support from law enforcement.