The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has confirmed the arrest of a Corrections Officer Class (COC) caught trying to smuggle illicit drugs and mobile phones into the Minimum Correction Centre during his second night shift.
The officer was found with marijuana, two mobile phones without SIM cards, and suki (80 cm) during a routine shift change. He had been previously suspected of being used by inmates to smuggle contraband.
On his second shift, the officer brought a bag into the gatekeeper’s room. Assigned to guard the C dormitory by OC night, he was seen leaving his post around 12:30 a.m.
Witnesses observed him heading towards the segregation block and entering the 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 actions, approached him as he was returning to his post. Upon searching him, they confiscated the contraband and discovered two mobile phones in his bag.
The officer was immediately taken into custody, and his statement was recorded. He is now being held at the Emergency Control Unit (ECU) base awaiting further investigation and faces disciplinary proceedings.
The FCS emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of misconduct and contraband smuggling within its facilities. This incident highlights the organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of their correctional centers.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.