Fiji is grappling with a severe drug crisis as police have seized nearly $200 million in illicit drugs over the first nine months of this year. Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalarua unveiled these troubling statistics in Parliament, raising significant concern for the nation. The drug haul included 19.3 tonnes of marijuana worth $194.2 million and 4.1 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at approximately USD $1.3 million, all confiscated between March and September 2025.
During the period from January 2024 to August 2025, authorities recorded 3,096 cases of unlawful possession and 225 cultivation cases, resulting in 3,441 arrests. Alarmingly, most of those detained were aged between 18 and 35, with a mere fraction of 71 offenders being over the age of 56. This demographic information underscores the challenge facing the nation’s youth.
Naivalarua stressed that Fiji’s drug-related issues are predominantly youth-centric, urging comprehensive strategies beyond mere enforcement to offer alternatives to crime. He advocated for prevention, education, and developing pathways that steer young individuals away from criminal paths, emphasizing the necessity of immediate action to prevent the future generation from getting entangled in drug cycles.
To combat this escalating issue, Naivalarua assured that the government is determined to operationalize the Counter-Narcotics Bureau by the end of the fiscal year. This move, supported by substantial budgeting and pending legislation, is part of an ongoing effort to establish an independent bureau focused on tackling drug-related challenges more effectively.
In response to rumors about the bureau’s disbandment due to the arrest of four police officers, Naivalarua clarified that rather than dismantling, it will be reconstructed with robust governance and integrity foundations. He urged all sectors of society, including chiefs, communities, schools, youth groups, and faith-based organizations, to take an active role in combatting drug abuse and trafficking. Naivalarua emphasized that public involvement is crucial for law enforcement success.
Fiji’s growing drug crisis has prompted a multifaceted response incorporating strict enforcement, community involvement, and strategic initiatives promising a healthier future. These efforts, alongside public collaboration, have the potential to significantly reduce drug-related crimes and help society confront these critical challenges head-on.