The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has confirmed the apprehension of a Corrections Officer Class (COC) who was caught attempting to smuggle illicit drugs and mobile phones into the Minimum Correction Centre during his second night shift.
The officer was found carrying marijuana, two mobile phones without SIM cards, and a length of suki (80 cm) during a routine shift change. Previously suspected of aiding inmates in smuggling contraband, the officer raised further suspicion when he brought a bag into the gatekeeper’s room at the start of his shift.
Assigned to guard the C dormitory, the officer was seen leaving his post around 12:30 AM and heading towards the segregation block. There, he retrieved two parcels containing marijuana and suki from his bag and concealed them in his pockets.
Observing his actions, other officers intercepted the COC as he was returning to his post, conducted a search, and confiscated the contraband along with two mobile phones found in his bag.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody, his statement recorded, and he is currently being held at the Emergency Control Unit (ECU) base pending further investigation and disciplinary proceedings.
The FCS emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and contraband smuggling, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of its correctional facilities.