Among the 207,000 students in Fiji, the Fiji Police have reported 3,519 cases (1.7%) of students involved in both legal and illegal drug use. This information was presented by the Permanent Secretary of Education, Selina Kuruleca, during a session addressing the Ministry’s 2022 Audit Report on the Social Services Sector before the Public Accounts Committee.
Kuruleca noted that 98 percent of students, or 202,860 individuals, have not participated in drug use, and the Ministry aims to increase this number to 99 percent in the coming year through effective policies and stronger collaboration with stakeholders.
In March 2024, discussions took place between the Ministry and the Fiji Police Dog Unit about conducting random drug checks in major schools or those located in high-risk areas. However, Kuruleca mentioned that the Police were unable to offer this type of assistance.
She also stated that the previous agreement with the Police focused on ensuring a drug-free environment at significant sporting events, such as the Fiji Finals Competition and other large activities like basketball and hockey. Kuruleca highlighted that these events often gather many children and adults, and there have been instances where individuals have been arrested for possessing illegal drugs.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the need for stakeholders to approach this growing issue with creativity. For the first time, the Ministry of Education convened a Stakeholders Taskforce with its partners to develop clear indicators and create an Action Plan.
“It was time to act and enough talking,” Kuruleca remarked, noting that the Stakeholder Taskforce plans to reconvene in eight weeks.