Fiji has emerged as a critical node in the global drug trade, evolving from a mere transit route into a destination for illicit narcotics. The influx of drugs through the Pacific region has led to rising addiction rates and a significant increase in HIV cases across the country. Trafficking networks exploit Fiji’s status as a tourist hotspot, using popular islands and coastal areas to move and distribute substances with relative ease. This shift has overwhelmed local law enforcement and created complex challenges in monitoring and intercepting drug shipments.
The human cost of this crisis is evident in communities across Fiji, where public health systems struggle to respond to growing numbers of users and related infections. Journalist Lice Movono joins DW’s Ole Alsaker in an in-depth discussion on the social consequences, highlighting how organized crime has infiltrated everyday life. The report underscores the urgent need for coordinated regional efforts and stronger health interventions to combat the escalating threat.