rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

Situational analysis of drug and alcohol issues and responses in the Pacific
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7.3 Illicit drug trends
Key informants suggest there is very little, if
any, concern over illicit drug use on Nauru.
A media search revealed claims around drug
dealing in the Australian-administered detention
centres, but it is not clear if these
claims were substantiated. Irrespective of
this situation, the centres were closed by
the Australian Government in 2008, potentially
eliminating the risk factor. 422
The view that illicit drugs are of little concern
in Nauru is supported by reported cases
before the courts, with only three of 293
cases in 2008 relating to possession of dangerous
drugs as prescribed by the Dangerous
Drugs Ordinance 1952–1967.
In contrast to a number of other PICTs, Nauru
is largely infertile and reliant on imports for
food. There is little space for crop cultivation,
with little scope to join its neighbours as a
cannabis-producing country.
In 2005, Nauru was included as a country of
concern for international money laundering
due to the international banking sector and
the associated sale of passports to foreign
nationals. After a period of reform, Nauru
has been removed from this list and is no
longer involved in the international banking
sector.
7.4 Licit drug trends
Aside from alcohol, no reports of other problematic
substance use have been identified
in Nauru. In contrast to other PICTs, there
is no literature relating to kava or inhalant
use. In addition, comments on the consumption
of non-beverage alcohol are also absent.
Alcohol
Based on available reports, alcohol is the
key drug of concern in Nauru. Of approximately
290 cases before the courts in 2008,
14 were related to drunk and disorderly
behaviour. Concerns around high levels of
alcohol consumption and this type of conduct
were raised by media reports around
2005, but it is not clear if this trend has
continued un abated. 423 It is worth noting
that in 2004 a dramatic rise in excise on
beer was followed by a dramatic increase
in illicit alcohol production, leading to a
subsequent reduction of the tax. The 2004
STEPS report, which surveyed people aged
between 15 and 64 years on alcohol consumption
(among other health issues), noted
that while more than half the total population
surveyed had not consumed alcohol in
the 12 months prior to the survey, there was
a high rate of binge drinking. The average
422 Detention camp guards on drug dealing charges, Sydney Morning Herald, 13 August 2003.
Available at: (accessed
February 2009).
423 Police in Nauru say alcohol is fuelling lawlessness, Radio New Zealand International,
11 December 2005. Available at:
(accessed February 2009).