The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has taken decisive action by dismissing two officers after they were found involved in a drug-related incident during a recent police raid. The law enforcement operation revealed that the officers were present at a property suspected of being a drug laboratory, where several drug-related items were discovered, including digital weighing scales, plastic film sealers, and zip-lock bags with methamphetamine residues.
Investigations determined that the two officers had been renting an apartment at this premises, which is owned by a known drug dealer and former inmate from the Suva Remand Centre. Notably, both officers, despite being married, were discovered living together as partners.
Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, the Commissioner of Corrections, reinforced that the FCS maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and any criminal behavior exhibited by its officers. Following the guidelines of the FCS disciplinary framework, the two officers faced immediate termination as a result of their actions. Dr. Nakarawa emphasized the critical importance of integrity within the service, asserting that breaches of conduct, particularly concerning criminal activities, will result in swift punitive measures.
This incident is a continuation of FCS’s proactive approach to addressing drug-related issues among its staff, which has led to previous terminations in similar circumstances, including several officers dismissed for testing positive for illegal substances during random screenings.
The Commissioner expressed a commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies to tackle drug-related crimes, while also striving to uphold the values of discipline, integrity, and accountability within the corrections system. The FCS aims to be a model of ethical standards that promote safety and trust in both correctional officers and the institutions they represent.
As the FCS enhances its operational protocols and continues to implement stringent measures against drug use and misconduct, there is a hopeful perspective towards building a safer and more integrity-driven corrections environment in Fiji, which ultimately benefits both officers and inmates alike.
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