Fiji an Emerging ‘Transnational Hub’ for Organised Crime, Prosecutor Says

As the trial of 7 people charged over Fiji’s largest methamphetamine haul begins, there are fears the small Pacific island is becoming overrun by drugs.
Fiji an Emerging ‘Transnational Hub’ for Organised Crime, Prosecutor Says
Some of the four tonnes of methamphetamine seized by police in Fiji's largest-ever drugs bust, in January 2024. Courtesy of Fiji Police
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Amid the trial of seven people for Fiji’s largest-ever drug seizure—more than four tonnes of methamphetamine estimated at FJ$2 billion (US$860 million) in value—state prosecutor John Rabuku has warned that the Pacific nation is an emerging “hub for transnational drug trafficking and organised crime networks across the Pacific.”

In late January 2024, Fijian authorities raided a vacant house that was under construction in the tourist town of Nadi. Hidden there were about 800 medium-sized containers wrapped in brown tape that contained the drug, locally known as “ice,” which was later destroyed in a high-temperature furnace.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.