Pacific Drug Superhighway: Fiji Police Hunt Australian Over 4-Tonne Meth Import

Fiji police are seeking to bring Sydney man Sam Amine to trial for his alleged role in orchestrating the importation of more than four tonnes of methamphetamine, the largest drug seizure in the history of the island nation.

The shipment, which was supplied by the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico, was stockpiled in Fiji before it was intended for distribution in Australian and New Zealand markets. Evidence accepted by a Fiji High Court judge indicates that Amine arranged and paid for the drugs to enter the country, where they were stored for several days at a warehouse he owned in Denarau, a primary tourist hub.

Whereas nine Fijian nationals have already received the most severe sentences ever handed down for drug crimes in Fiji, Amine has not yet faced charges. During court proceedings last year, a Fiji High Court judge labeled the 49-year-aged a “drug kingpin.”

Fiji Police Assistant Commissioner Mesake Waqa stated that while local crime syndicates have already been rounded up, the investigation remains focused on the international operators. “We will only rest once we charge those responsible, those international crime syndicates,” Waqa told Foreign Correspondent, adding, “This proves my wish for Sam Amine to face trial here in Fiji.”

Authorities in both Australia and Fiji are currently pursuing the seizure of assets worth millions of dollars, which are alleged to be proceeds of crime linked to Amine.

The investigation into the January 2024 seizure is part of a broader effort to disrupt drug trafficking corridors in the Pacific. According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), joint operations during the 2023-24 financial year led to the seizure of more than 39 tonnes of illicit drugs globally, including more than 4.2 tonnes within Pacific Island nations. The AFP reported that over 24 tonnes of those seized drugs and precursors were directly linked to Australian crime groups or intended for Australia.

In February 2026, eight men were jailed in Australia following an international investigation into the importation of methamphetamine. Fiji police laid new charges in January 2026 related to the plot to import methamphetamine into the country.

Fiji police continue to target the international syndicates responsible for the shipment as they seek to bring Amine to trial.