The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has confirmed the apprehension of a Corrections Officer Class (COC) for attempting to smuggle illicit drugs and mobile phones into the Minimum Correction Centre during his second night shift guard duty.
The officer was found with marijuana, two mobile phones without SIM cards, and 80 cm of suki tobacco during a routine shift change. He had been suspected of colluding with inmates to bring contraband into the facility.
On the night of the incident, the officer brought a bag and placed it in the gatekeeper’s room. Assigned to guard the C dormitory, he was observed leaving his post around 0030 hours. Heading towards the segregation block to the guard room, he retrieved two parcels containing marijuana and suki from his bag and put them in his pockets.
Other officers, who had been monitoring his movements, approached him as he tried to return to his post. They searched him, confiscated the contraband, and discovered two mobile phones in his bag.
The suspect was immediately detained, and his statement was recorded. He is currently held at the Emergency Control Unit (ECU) base pending further investigation and will face disciplinary action.
The FCS upholds a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and smuggling within its facilities. This incident highlights their commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of correctional centers.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.