2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025

Insert: defensive line collapse 25th Feb 26

Serevi says supply reduction is not only about policing and border security, but also about moral courage, anti-corruption commitment and community vigilance.

He stresses that transparent and accountable leadership must be demonstrated by national policymakers, provincial leaders, village chiefs, pastors, school principals, coaches and parents.

Serevi says if leaders fail to act decisively, criminal networks will fill the gap.

He describes illicit drugs as a form of hybrid warfare, saying narcotics can systematically erode the core pillars of a sovereign state from within.

He says drugs steal clarity of mind, strength of body, stability of families and integrity of leadership.

Serevi says when the damage occurs at scale, it becomes a national crisis rather than an individual problem.

He warns that Fiji’s greatest resource is not gold, fisheries or tourism, but its people.

According to Serevi, when drugs infiltrate communities, youth lose educational focus, families fracture, crime increases and health systems come under pressure.

He says human capital declines, and with it the nation’s competitive edge — economically, morally and spiritually.

Serevi says even if narcotics are driven by profit, their large-scale distribution has strategic consequences, including youth incapacitation, economic destabilisation and social fragmentation.

He cautioned that weakened societies become vulnerable societies.

Serevi outlined three key responses — demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction.

On demand reduction, he highlighted the role of rugby academies, churches and schools in providing structured, value-based environments for young people.

He says at the Serevi International Rugby Academy, the focus goes beyond passing and tackling to teaching discipline, respect, self-control and accountability.

Serevi says drugs often fill a vacuum of identity and belonging, and strong institutions such as sport, faith communities and schools can provide young people with purpose.

On harm reduction, he emphasised rehabilitation, counselling and reintegration for those already affected.

Referencing the Gospel of John, he says condemnation should not be the final word for those who have fallen, but compassion must be balanced with accountability.

Serevi says this is not only a government issue, but a vanua issue, a church issue, a family issue, a school issue and a sport issue.

Serevi is urging renewed national commitment to protect Fiji’s children and youth, warning that if illicit drugs erode human capital, undermine sovereignty and weaken social cohesion, the country’s response must be equally strategic and coordinated.

A lot of times we have asked assistance from the government, and many times they have turned their back on us.

This was the blunt message delivered by Elia Berabi, a youth representative for Seek to Save Ministry, during the National Talanoa Session on Responding to Illicit Drugs in Fiji: Renewing Commitment Through Action, in Lami.

Berabi says that despite repeated pleas for support, his ministry continues to operate largely on passion and personal sacrifice.

Berabi says they currently support 20 young people between the ages of 14 and 27, many of whom were once living on the streets of Suva.

He says 70 percent of the youths in his care are HIV positive, while half entered the programme battling drug addiction.

He recounted how the ministry began in 2023, after he and his younger brother were moved by increasing reports of drug abuse among young people.

Disturbed by the number of street children they encountered in Suva, the brothers decided to act.

Despite not being financially stable, he and his brother brought several of the children home to live with him and his family in Colo-i-Suva.

Insert: Berabi - Connect with them 

Through consistent conversations, he discovered that many of the youths had left home due to family breakdowns, abuse and neglect.

Berabi says several had parents who had remarried, and described being mistreated by step-parents.

In contrast, they found acceptance and shared companionship on the streets.

He adds that many were introduced to drugs through peers while seeking belonging and emotional support.

Beyond counselling, Berabi says the ministry has established an agricultural project aimed at giving the youths purpose and economic independence.

Starting with five acres of land, the group planted crops worth $15,000.

They have since expanded to 25 additional acres in Colo-i-Suva and now have crops valued at $35,000, with markets reportedly opening overseas.

Berabi has also opened term deposit accounts for the youths, with a target of $35,000 in savings for each child within three years.

The programme operates on a structured daily routine, beginning at 7am with devotion, chores and farm work.

Berabi says the transformation has been remarkable.

However, he admits that the journey has not been easy, that he and his wife house nearly 20 youths in their home, and shoulder much of the financial burden themselves.

Insert: Berabi - A living testimony 

Berabi has challenged the leaders and stakeholders at the talanoa session to move beyond dialogue and take practical action.

He says Fiji needs people with passion, who are proactive, and those who truly love this nation.