Fiji is facing an alarming surge in drug-related crime, primarily attributed to the emergence of drug syndicates formed by deportees from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. This critical insight was shared by Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa at the Fiji Law Society Convention and the 2nd Pasefika Lawyers Collective Conference held in Nadi. These deportees have reportedly teamed up with existing local crime groups, intensifying issues associated with organized robberies, violence, and burglaries, while simultaneously creating strong links to international drug trafficking networks.
According to ACP Waqa, these expatriates commenced the establishment of drug syndicates shortly after their arrival in Fiji, effectively merging local operations with established international drug cartels. The situation has escalated significantly, with authorities noting a substantial rise in methamphetamine detection—from milligram quantities in 2012 to recent seizures amounting to several tonnes. A staggering discovery of 4.15 tonnes of narcotics washed up on Fiji’s shores serves as a stark reminder of the mounting influence exerted by organized crime syndicates in the region.
Previously, Fiji’s primary drug issue centered around marijuana; however, the rise in local methamphetamine production has shifted this landscape. Now, authorities are increasingly concerned that Fiji serves not just as a transit hub but also as an emerging production point for meth, colloquially termed “meth” or “ice.” The troubling trend resonates with crime experts, who highlight Fiji’s geographical location in the Pacific as a prime target for drug traffickers aiming for Australia and New Zealand markets.
The situation is compounded by reports of makeshift meth labs discovered during recent police operations and hotspots for meth use identified throughout the islands, indicating a significant change in the local drug scene. Investigations have also unearthed drug-manufacturing equipment imported from Canada, reinforcing the international factors contributing to Fiji’s drug crisis.
While some progress has been made with enforcement actions leading to mid-tier arrests, law enforcement agencies continue to grapple with the overarching criminal infrastructures. Many high-level operatives managing these networks often remain elusive. Experts have expressed concerns that complicity among influential figures within government and law enforcement may further hinder efforts to tackle drug trafficking, deepening its adverse effects on Fijian communities.
As investigations continue to unravel the complex layers of operations entrenched in Fijian society, it is evident that a coordinated response is paramount. The urgent need for a comprehensive strategy from local authorities is evident, aimed at combating both local production and the intricate international trafficking networks that have set roots in the Pacific. With proactive engagement from law enforcement, there remains hope for a future where Fijian communities can regain their stability, free from the pervasive impacts of drug trafficking and associated crimes.