Inmates at the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) are resorting to alarming tactics to smuggle contraband, including hiding items like marijuana and mobile phones internally. Auta Moceisuva, the assistant commissioner of operations, confirmed this troubling trend as illegal items were discovered during routine checks at the Suva Remand Centre.
A thorough security operation conducted on February 24 uncovered multiple instances of smuggling within the facilities, revealing not only drugs but also mobile devices that pose risks to operational security. These discoveries stemmed from regular snap searches and daily inspections carried out by FCS personnel.
The situation is aggravated by efforts from the public to assist in smuggling contraband, with packages reportedly being thrown over prison walls. This has prompted the FCS to strengthen security protocols, which now encompass daily perimeter patrols, random cell inspections, and enhanced surveillance through the installation of CCTV cameras throughout the facilities.
Furthermore, corrections officers are subjected to searches prior to their shifts, and those who test positive for illicit substances face immediate dismissal. Measures such as rigorous strip searches for inmates at entry points and the use of handheld detectors aim to uncover hidden contraband effectively.
These developments align with efforts previously emphasized by Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, who noted the ongoing challenges related to contraband in the context of significant overcrowding at the Suva Remand Centre, which currently accommodates over 400 inmates—more than double its original capacity of 200. The FCS upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding drug use and any staff involvement in smuggling, urging community cooperation to maintain the integrity of the correctional system.
The implementation of these heightened security measures underscores a dual focus: not only enhancing the safety of the facilities but also promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society. While the challenges posed by contraband smuggling remain significant, there is a hopeful outlook that these proactive approaches will foster a safer and more rehabilitative environment within Fiji’s correctional institutions, benefiting both inmates and the community as a whole.
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