The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has confirmed the arrest of a Corrections Officer Class (COC) who was caught attempting to smuggle illegal drugs and mobile phones into the Minimum Correction Centre during his second night shift.
The officer was found in possession of marijuana, two mobile phones without SIM cards, and suki (80 cm) during a routine shift change.
Previously suspected of potentially being used by inmates to smuggle contraband, the officer brought a bag on the night of his second shift, which he left inside the gatekeeper’s room.
Assigned to guard the C dormitory, he was observed leaving his post at around 0030hrs. He was seen heading toward the segregation block’s guard room, where he retrieved two parcels containing marijuana and suki from his bag and placed them in his pockets.
Other officers, who had been monitoring his movements, approached him as he attempted to return to his post. A search revealed the contraband and two mobile phones in his bag.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody, and his statement was recorded. He is currently being held at the Emergency Control Unit (ECU) base awaiting further investigation and will face disciplinary proceedings.
The FCS emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and contraband smuggling, underscoring their commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of their correctional facilities.