A worrying gap exists in the national strategy against drugs, mainly due to the lack of focus and resources on the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS). While the FCS commends the government’s allocation of $2 million in the 2024-2025 national budget for the creation of the Narcotics Bureau within the Ministry of Home Affairs, FCS Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa expressed concern about the omission of the institution from the National Drug Strategy.
Nakarawa emphasized that while the FCS is grappling with increasing drug offender numbers – a trend expected to spike due to enhanced law enforcement measures – the institution remains ill-equipped to handle the expected rise in convictions. There’s a lack of dedicated drug rehabilitation programs, causing strain on the FCS’ current capabilities.
Nakarawa said that handling the drug issue required a comprehensive approach that included detection, prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders. He suggested that without appropriate rehabilitation programs, they risked maintaining a cycle of reoffending. He also pointed out the need for investment in support systems for convicted drug offenders to overcome addiction effectively and reintegrate into society.
The FCS, assigned $57.8 million in the 2024-2025 national budget, has highlighted several areas for government consideration. These include expanding correctional facilities, implementing rehabilitation programs, offering training and resources for correctional staff, and collaborating with health services to provide comprehensive care.
The FCS remains determined to rehabilitate offenders and ensure public safety, according to Nakarawa.