Meth scare in rental vehicles

Rental car owners are discovering white substances believed to be methamphetamine in vehicles returned by customers.

How the illicit substance ends up in the vehicles is unknown. Police have yet to confirm any such report.

Fiji Rental Car Association treasurer Ahmed Faruk said: “We have found substances left in the car… it looks like white powder.”

He said the substance may have been left behind by users, dropped accidentally or hidden and forgotten.

The discovery has raised concern among rental operators, who are not trained to identify drugs or handle such situations.

“We are not qualified to screen who is involved and who is not,” Mr Faruk said.

In many cases, the substances were discarded instead of being reported to authorities.

He warned the issue could have serious consequences for businesses and those who discover the substances.

Mr Faruk said customers under the influence of drugs or alcohol often showed little regard for safety or property.

“They don’t care if they wreck the vehicle,” he said.

“They can endanger anyone, even their own lives.”

The financial risks are significant.

High-end rental vehicles, including Land Cruisers valued at up to $300,000, are particularly vulnerable.

“A single packet of white drugs could mean total loss for a small operator. If one goes down a hill… that’s it for him,” Mr Faruk said.

Compounding the issue is the looming increase in fuel prices.

Mr Faruk said rising diesel and unleaded fuel costs would further strain the industry, potentially leading to more abandoned vehicles and unpaid rentals.

“It’s going to have a lot of negative effects,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Mr Faruk emphasised the need for collaboration.

He said stronger partnerships between industry players and authorities could help find solutions.

“We’ll share the burden… and come out triumphant,” he said.

The association is calling for clearer guidance and support from authorities on how to handle such findings safely and properly.