Fiji’s schools are grappling with a growing drug crisis, with a 300% surge in drug-related cases among students from 2020 to 2024, according to the Substance Abuse Advisory Council.
Speaking at Namosi Secondary School on July 4, 2025, during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Minister for Local Government described the situation as a “generational emergency,” urging a unified national response to protect the nation’s youth.
He said data from 2020 to 2024 reveals a disturbing trend as follows:
- 3,835 cases of suki (local tobacco) use
- 3,210 tobacco-related incidents
- 2,059 kava-related cases
- 1,297 inhalant cases
- 992 alcohol-related incidents
- 912 marijuana cases
- 466 homebrew cases
- 122 methylated spirits cases
- 35 instances of drug dealing on school grounds.
Mr Nalusima said the number of school-based drug cases rose from 1,377 in 2020 to 3,041 in 2024, highlighting the escalating threat to Fiji’s children.
“This is not a future threat—it’s a current reality,” he said.
“The data may be discouraging, but the unity I see today is powerful. “No village, ministry, or family can fight this alone.”
The Minister commended the Fiji Police Force, the Ministry of Policing, and the Substance Abuse Advisory Council for leading national activities, including outreach to schools, faith-based institutions, and community forums.
