The escalating methamphetamine crisis in Fiji’s capital, Suva, is being attributed to the erosion of family values, as residents express growing concern over the devastating impact of the drug, locally known as ‘ice’. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently asked the public to avoid drugs altogether, following the circulation of a disturbing video showing a young woman reportedly begging for a hit.
The meth crisis has taken a dark turn, with reports emerging of users engaging in a dangerous practice known as “bluetoothing,” where blood is withdrawn from a meth user and injected into another person to share the high. This method carries severe health risks, including the transmission of bloodborne diseases.
Navitalai Tamanitoakula, a resident of Nausori who visited Suva, confirmed that the drug situation is worsening. “You can see it in the town, especially among the young people,” he said. “When you look at their faces, you can tell they’re high. They’re often in corners, inhaling glue, asking for money.”
Tamanitoakula believes that the loss of family values is a significant factor in the crisis. “The problem is the family. Children should be at home, with their parents disciplining them. Now, children can talk back or even swear at their parents.”
Pauline Doris echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the role of parents in preventing drug use. “It’s the responsibility of parents to look after their children and ensure they don’t get involved in these things. The situation is definitely getting worse, but the government hasn’t done enough to solve the problem,” she said.
The meth crisis is not only affecting individuals but also tarnishing Fiji’s international image. Tourism is a vital part of Fiji’s economy, with over 920,000 visitors last year, primarily from Australia and New Zealand. However, the growing drug problem is casting a shadow over the country’s reputation.
Mesake Tapua, another Suva resident, voiced concern about the impact on the youth. “Fiji should be the first to stop the problem before it spreads to smaller island states. We’re worried about young people because drugs destroy their minds when they should be in school.”
The government has acknowledged the severity of the crisis. Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has pointed to poverty as a major driver of the drug issue, and a senior police officer in Lautoka is under investigation for allegedly possessing illicit drugs.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug-Free World Fiji, highlighted that the drug problem has permeated both urban and rural areas across Fiji. She warned against the dangerous myths surrounding practices like bluetoothing, stating, “People have glamorized it, but it doesn’t work and puts lives at risk.”
As the crisis deepens, the call for stronger family bonds and more effective government intervention grows louder, with many fearing the long-term consequences for Fiji’s youth and society as a whole.
