Update: will the tsunami of organised crime destroy Fiji?

Seven months ago I presented evidence here of how the low-crime Fiji I knew twenty years ago has transformed. The glorious Fiji islands are now the Pacific hub for the transit, manufacture and supply of drugs to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Some allege that during 16 years in power, the Bainimarama government ignored the rapid invasion by criminal drug cartels originating in Asia and Central/South America. However, several events since Sitiveni Rabuka won government, culminating in the extraordinary seizures and arrests in 2024, gave many cause to hope. If this is all new to you, please catch up here.

Corruption cases

But first, the tortuous progress of corruption charges against former prime minister Bainimarama. These cases aren't related to drugs, but hint at the relationship between Bainimarama and the police. Last May, Bainimarama and his Commissioner of Police were sentenced to one year's imprisonment for perverting the course of justice when they stopped a police investigation of embezzlement at the University of the South Pacific. Bainimarama served six months before his early release two months ago.

Just yesterday, a court date for June was set for another long-running case against Bainimarama and his Commissioner of Police. They will face trial for abuse of office where they demanded two police officers be dismissed in 2021. I regret I haven't been able to dig out the details on this.

Despite keeping an eye on Fiji news, I haven't come across headlines about the outcome of the various drug busts and arrests in 2024. Now I've done a more thorough search, I'll outline what's happened since.

1. Aiyaz Umarji

After more than seven years' investigation, Umarji, owner of a Fiji pharmacy chain, was sentenced to four years prison in New Zealand (NZ) in August for illegally importing millions of dollars worth of pseudoephedrine (precursor chemical of methamphetamine). While Umarji's pharmaceutical businesses still run in Fiji and Vanuatu, the Fiji Police continue their investigation.

Update: Umarji appealed against his sentence, which was reduced to 3 years, 6 months. After serving only one year, he successfully applied for parole, granted on condition he never return to New Zealand. On Umarji's return to Fiji, the Minister for Home Affairs stated that the convicted drug offender has served his time and has a legal right to re-enter Fiji.

2. Chinese police sent home

On forming government, PM Rabuka foreshadowed a review of the controversial policing agreement with PRC referred to in my April post here. While clearly performing a political balancing act, Rabuka has made a significant retreat from closer relations with PRC.

Update: No change: the PRC-Fiji policing agreement remains operational.

3. The exposure of Zhao Fugang on TV

In the opinion of an Australian intelligence source, the Australian Government's identification of Zhao Fugang as PRC's prime agent of influence in the South Pacific would be enough to make him useless to China in the future.

Update: Zhao Fugang remains in Fiji, attending Chinese and Fiji official functions as he has done for many years.

4. Seizure of methamphetamine at Nadi

In late January 2024, Fiji Police seized 4.8 tonnes of meth at a Nadi warehouse, estimated to be worth $2 billion - Fiji's biggest ever drug bust and one of the biggest in the entire world. Subsequently, 13 people, including two with the chiefly title of Ratu and two foreign nationals, were charged with importing or possessing illicit drugs.

4.8 tonnes of meth seized at Nadi. Source: Fiji Police

Fiji Police say that investigations continue with the help of the Australian Federal Police and the Pacific Transnational Crime and Coordination Centre, and they expect to make more arrests.

Update: No more arrests have been made. A month ago, late April 2025 trial dates were set for 10 of the 13 arrested last January. All accused were released on bail when charged, apart from two who have absconded.

Latest drug busts

Many smaller quantities of drugs were seized in Fiji by police in 2024, with arrests being made. Of significance is the seizure of drug manufacturing equipment.

But another big haul in Spain complicates the supply chain mystery. In November, Police seized 13 tonnes of cocaine worth almost FJD$2 billion (US$1 billion) at the port of Algeciras in southern Spain. Most of the packs were labelled 'Fiji'. Spanish Police found the cocaine hidden behind bananas in a container ship out of Ecuador. I await further developments and would be grateful if any readers can let me know about this. This case may even be beyond Inspector Joe Horseman!

Source: Sky News

Fiji's limited capacity to fight organised crime

Not much has been added here, although Australia's recent commitment to develop Fiji’s port infrastructure and services as well as aviation capacity should improve detection of drug crime. 

But there has been a loss. Fiji's newest patrol boat, RFNS Puamau, was decommissioned after hitting a reef on its maiden voyage in June 2024. Australia handed over a replacement in November, RFNS Timo, which was damaged while docking in Suva less than a month later. No comment!

RFNS Timo (Source: Royal Australian Navy)

I leave it to you to assess the progress, if any, made against the tsunami of drugs since last May.

If you have friends interested in Fiji or Pacific islands in general, I encourage you to share this post.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Bernadette

B.M. Allsopp