A remote stretch of coastline in Macuata is at the centre of growing fears it is being used as a dumping ground for illicit drugs.
Villagers in Udu say suspicious items — including containers with white powder residue, pipes, fishing nets and tracking devices — have repeatedly washed ashore, raising alarm that drug trafficking is happening just beyond their shores.
District representative Ilisoni Baleibia said a substance believed to be illicit drugs in liquid form was found at Nukudamu two years ago and later collected by authorities.
“It was what appeared to be a liquid substance kept in a glass,” he said.
“This was two years ago.”
Mr Baleibia said villagers had also found pipes, fishing nets and tracker-like devices on nearby beaches, raising concerns the items could be linked to drug trafficking activity at sea.
He said some items carried white powder residue believed to be illicit drugs, including substances similar to methamphetamine or cocaine.
“The situation has left residents frightened and frustrated, particularly because they are unable to immediately alert authorities due to zero mobile network coverage in the district.”
Mr Baleibia said villagers had grown increasingly alarmed as the discoveries continued.
“Big ships and yachts often pass through a nearby passage before entering Fiji waters, and we believe that is how these substances are coming in.
“This area is hardly watched, and we fear it is being used as a drop-off point.” He said the issue had been raised repeatedly at district and provincial meetings, but villagers felt their concerns were not being taken seriously.
“We’ve asked for help again and again. We want more patrols, more action, more support,” Mr Baleibia said, “but while we wait, these things keep washing up. The drugs are already in our villages.”
He said the situation had created fear within families, particularly for young people who may be exposed to drugs already circulating in nearby communities.
“It’s not just about what washes up on the beach.”
Mr Baleibia said the lack of mobile coverage continued to make it difficult to report suspicious findings quickly.
Police said all allegations were currently under investigation.
