Concerns have been raised by village leaders in Lau, particularly on Moala island, regarding the alleged trade of marijuana by local youths for methamphetamine sourced from Suva. Reports compiled by Shine a Light during visits to Moala and Vanuabalavu suggest that the use of meth has infiltrated the lives of young people on these islands.
The Fiji Police Narcotics Bureau has been notified of the situation; however, concrete evidence has yet to be established. Allegations indicate that meth is being smuggled to Lau through villagers who travel on passenger boats from Suva, a situation exacerbated by scant security measures at the wharf and limited police resources on the islands.
Young residents of the Lau Group are increasingly exposed to methamphetamine through various channels such as yachts, inter-island shipping, domestic flights, and online tutorials detailing its production. Village leaders across the province’s 72 villages express deep apprehension that meth use could severely disrupt the community’s tranquility and lifestyle.
Roko Tui Lau Jaji Kalounivalu emphasized that while marijuana use has long been recognized, recent reports indicate the emergence of meth on the islands, with the fear that even a small number of users could lead to widespread addiction due to Lau’s limited population.
The Lau Group consists of over 50 islands, with only 19 populated, and has an estimated population of about 80,000. Approximately 6,800 individuals reside on the islands as per the last census. Among the youth demographic, the majority are males aged between 10 to 30 years.
Local authorities are aware of marijuana’s illegal cultivation and distribution among youths. The discovery of packaged cocaine along Lau’s shores in 2018 marked a troubling entry point for harder drugs, raising fears that other illicit substances were already reaching the region.
Station officer Biutoka Vuli of Moala Community Post stated that connections between local groups and drug dealers in Suva have been detected, although robust evidence for meth presence is still lacking. Behavioral changes among young males, including increased school dropouts, heightened alcohol consumption, and violence, are potent indicators of potential drug use.
Dr. Fifita Niulevu, a medical officer in Naroi, Moala, reported a rise in assault cases attributable to youth alcohol consumption, noting a troubling incident involving a group of young boys and a man last July. Concerns persist about the inevitable arrival of illicit drugs if preventive measures are not instituted.
Inia Cakacaka, the headman of Nasoki Village, voiced belief that drugs primarily originate from Viti Levu, stating that illegal substances arrive via inter-island shipping, marking a significant threat to the community.
While no meth cases have been confirmed in Vanuabalavu, marijuana remains prevalent. However, local villagers suspect drug trafficking activities due to the discovery of nets tied to buoys in the ocean, suggesting organized smuggling operations.
Savenaca Ledua shared a past experience from 2018 when he unknowingly found a cocaine package on Moala beach, unaware of its implications until police investigations revealed its nature.
Police monitoring has faced criticism for inadequate oversight of ports and domestic flights, with calls for increased visibility and regular checks. Community leaders stress the need for enforcement to curb drug influxes, warning of the severe implications for the Lau Group if current trends continue.
Overall, the emergence of meth and other illicit drugs in the Lau region highlights a growing concern, urging immediate community and governmental action to protect local youth and the integrity of island life.