Five Tonnes of Meth found in two houses – Fiji
Fiji is currently facing a significant challenge with methamphetamine use, affecting various segments of society, including villages, schools, and even law enforcement. Ilisapeci Veibuli from the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has observed this issue’s rapid growth, noting its normalization in everyday life.
“People are openly using methamphetamine in public spaces, showing a concerning disregard for the law. It’s surprising how widespread the issue has become,” Veibuli remarked.
She emphasized the pervasive nature of the problem, stating, “It feels like every household is affected. In our communities, where extended families live together, it’s happening in villages, schools, and among children and students.” She added, “I know, and I have heard also, which is even worse, that some parents have actually given drugs to their children to sell in school.”
Pio Tikoduadua, the Home Affairs Minister responsible for the military and police, acknowledges the widespread nature of meth use, extending beyond cities and urban areas. “Methamphetamine is impacting not just the youth but also our children. Addressing this drug problem is crucial to prevent long-term societal consequences,” he said.
Tikoduadua also highlighted the troubling trend of children being used to distribute drugs, with reports of young students, some as young as 11 years old, becoming involved in drug activities.
Earlier this year, nearly five tonnes of meth were found in two houses in Nadi, sourced from Mexico. Transnational crime specialist Jose Sousa-Santos noted that there was enough meth to supply the Australian market for a year, and it would have been drip-fed into New Zealand and Australia to avoid flooding the market and driving down prices.
Sousa-Santos pointed out that the lack of guards and safehouses for the Nadi meth stash is a significant concern. “This is a very, very big red flag because transnational criminal syndicates only do that when they feel comfortable and secure,” he explained. Neighbours around the drug houses were reluctant to speak on camera due to intimidation and threats from local syndicate members.
Sousa-Santos, who recently returned from Fiji, mentioned that political and commercial elites previously facilitated drug trafficking through the country. However, now the syndicates have created a local market, expanding their reach and support network. “You also have larger access to law enforcement, members of parliament, and commercial elites, creating a larger pool of users. This explains why it is spreading so fast.”
A man interviewed by 1News, referred to as Vili, is a drug user and supplier who has served jail time in Fiji. He revealed connections with Tallet Rahman, currently imprisoned in New Zealand for importing meth from Mexico, and his son Joshua, serving 20 years in Suva for possession of nearly forty kilos of cocaine. Vili described the extensive influence he had on meth use in the region.
“They bring the yachts from Tonga to Onelau and Matuku, which is in the Lau group. They seal wrap it so it’s waterproof, and they put nets, buoys, and GPS to be picked up,” Vili explained. He added that buying meth on the streets is as easy as buying a curry, though more expensive. A quarter bag costs FJ$150, and a half bag ranges from FJ$250 to FJ$300, depending on the grading. People are selling everything they own, stealing from family and friends, and there’s increasing violence.
Ilisapeci Veibuli looks weary as she mentions the lack of rehabilitation programs in Fiji. The Women’s Crisis Centre is overwhelmed with the need. “The way it is, the future of Fiji is bleak,” she says, emphasizing the high stakes for Fiji’s next generation.
This issue is not isolated to Fiji; similar problems are emerging in Tonga. The connection between the two countries through drug trafficking routes highlights the regional scope of the methamphetamine crisis. Addressing this challenge requires collaborative efforts and comprehensive strategies to support affected individuals and families, ensuring a safer and healthier future for the Pacific Islands.
