Drug cases among students in Fiji saw a modest increase, rising from 3,041 in 2024 to 3,143 in 2025. Josua Naisele, the acting chief executive of the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council, disclosed these figures while highlighting that this still represents less than 2 percent of the approximately 180,000 enrolled students nationwide.
Naisele emphasized that the primary objective is to prevent drug use among children. He pointed out that the most frequently used substances within this demographic are tobacco products, such as cigarettes and weed. He noted that the introduction to drug use often begins with tobacco, which tends to influence students’ later behavior regarding alcohol and marijuana.
“In many instances, students start with cigarettes or suki and progress to alcohol or marijuana,” Naisele explained. “They observe these behaviors within their communities, which they perceive as normal.”
To address this issue, Naisele mentioned ongoing interventions aimed at educating students about the harmful effects of all substances. He stated, “While the situation is currently manageable, we are concerned about the gradual increase observed over the years.” Notably, he also reported that there have been no reported cases of meth use in schools, which he deemed a positive development.
He urged schools to quickly report any incidents of illicit drug use among students, allowing for timely support and interventions in collaboration with appropriate stakeholders. Naisele appealed for the cooperation of faith-based organizations and other community groups to enhance efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of students when they return to their communities.
Overall, while the rise in drug cases among students is concerning, the focus on education and community involvement offers hope for reducing these numbers in the future and safeguarding the health of young people in Fiji.
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