Fiji’s Corrections Service Cracks Down on Contraband Smuggling

The Fiji Corrections Service has issued a strong warning to the public discouraging illegal activities, particularly the smuggling of contraband into correctional facilities. This cautionary notice follows a recent increase in incidents where individuals have been caught attempting to smuggle prohibited items to inmates, including drugs like marijuana and methamphetamine, as well as mobile phones.

Over the last two days, two people were arrested in separate attempts to breach facility security. Both were caught red-handed by Fiji Corrections Service officers and subsequently handed over to law enforcement for potential prosecution. The FCS has reiterated its commitment to a strict zero-tolerance policy concerning contraband smuggling, emphasizing that the legal consequences of such actions far exceed any fleeting advantages.

Additionally, individuals who might find themselves solicited by inmates or associates to smuggle items are advised to refuse and report these incidents promptly, which helps protect them from legal troubles. One notable case involved a woman, already facing personal challenges, who was apprehended while attempting to deliver contraband, raising concerns about the impacts on her young children and family dynamics.

Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, the Commissioner of Corrections, highlighted the potential broader impact of these actions on families, stating, “We do not want a situation where both parents are on the wrong side of the law,” and underscored the negative social and economic ramifications these criminal activities could impose on innocent children.

The Fiji Corrections Service remains focused on fostering a safe and rehabilitative atmosphere for inmates and is calling on the community to contribute positively by adhering to the law and promoting constructive behaviors.

This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement in maintaining safety and order, fostering a hopeful outlook for a future in which illegal activities are reduced, and families are kept intact and supported.