Among the 207,000 students in Fiji, the Fiji Police have reported 3,519 cases, amounting to 1.7%, of students involved in drug use, both legal and illegal. This information was presented by Permanent Secretary of Education Selina Kuruleca during a discussion of the Ministry’s 2022 Audit Report on the Social Services Sector before the Public Accounts Committee.
Kuruleca emphasized that 98 percent, or 202,860, of the students have not used drugs, and the Ministry aims to raise this figure to 99 percent over the next year through effective policies and improved collaboration with stakeholders.
In addition, Kuruleca mentioned that in March 2024, discussions were held with the Fiji Police Dog Unit regarding the possibility of conducting random drug checks at larger schools or those in high-risk areas. However, she noted that the Police have been unable to provide this support to the Ministry.
The existing agreement with the Police focuses on maintaining drug-free environments at significant sporting events, such as the Fiji Finals Competition and the DEANS Competition, where large gatherings occur. Kuruleca reported that law enforcement has made arrests for possession of illicit drugs at these events.
She stated that stakeholders need to think creatively to address this growing issue. The Ministry of Education has initiated a Stakeholders Taskforce for the first time, aiming to collaborate with partners to establish clear indicators and develop an Action Plan.
“It was time to act and enough talking,” Kuruleca remarked. The newly formed Stakeholder Taskforce is scheduled to reconvene in eight weeks.