Of the 207,000 students in Fiji, the Fiji Police reported 3,519 cases (1.7%) of students involved in both legal and illegal drug use. This statistic was presented by Permanent Secretary of Education Selina Kuruleca during the Ministry’s 2022 Audit Report on the Social Services Sector before the Public Accounts Committee.
Kuruleca noted that 98 percent (or 202,860) of students remain drug-free, and the ministry aims to increase this figure to 99 percent in the coming year through effective policies and improved collaboration with stakeholders. In March 2024, discussions were held with the Fiji Police Dog Unit to implement random drug checks in larger schools or those located in high-risk areas; however, the Police were unable to provide this support.
An agreement was made with the Police to ensure a drug-free environment during major sporting events such as the Fiji Finals Competition and the DEANS Competition, where both children and adults gather. Kuruleca highlighted that there have been instances where the Police arrested individuals for possession of illicit drugs at these events.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the need for stakeholders to find innovative solutions to address the increasing drug problem. For the first time, the Ministry of Education organized a Stakeholders Taskforce with its partners to establish clear indicators and develop an Action Plan.
“It was time to act and enough talking,” Kuruleca stated, revealing that the newly formed Stakeholder Taskforce will reconvene in eight weeks to continue their efforts.