The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has confirmed the arrest of a Corrections Officer Class (COC), who was caught trying to smuggle illicit drugs and mobile phones into the Minimum Correction Centre during his second night shift.
During a routine shift change, the officer was found with marijuana, two mobile phones without SIM cards, and an 80 cm suki. He had been under suspicion for potentially being used by inmates to smuggle contraband into the facility.
On his second night shift, the officer brought a bag and placed it inside the gatekeeper’s room. After being assigned to guard the C dormitory, he was observed leaving his post around 12:30 AM.
He was seen heading towards the segregation block to 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 the COC’s movements approached him as he tried 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 maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any misconduct and contraband smuggling within its facilities. This incident highlights their commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of their correctional centers.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.