The Fiji Police have reported a total of 3,519 cases, representing 1.7% of the 207,000 students in Fiji, involved in both legal and illegal drug use. This figure was shared by the Permanent Secretary of Education, Selina Kuruleca, during her presentation of the Ministry’s 2022 Audit Report on the Social Services Sector to the Public Accounts Committee.
Kuruleca emphasized that 98 percent of students, or 202,860 individuals, have not participated in drug use, and the Ministry aims to increase this figure to 99 percent over the next year by implementing effective policies and working closely with stakeholders.
In March 2024, discussions were held between the Ministry and the Fiji Police Dog Unit regarding random drug screenings at larger schools and those situated in high-risk areas. However, Kuruleca noted that the Police were unable to support this initiative.
The agreement with the Police involves their support to maintain drug-free environments at major sporting events, such as the Fiji Finals Competition and various competitions in basketball and hockey, where both children and adults gather. Kuruleca mentioned that there have been instances where individuals were arrested for possession of illicit drugs during these events.
To address the growing issue of drug use among students, Kuruleca highlighted the importance of innovative solutions from stakeholders. The Ministry has formed a Stakeholders Taskforce for the first time, aiming to collaborate on creating clear indicators and developing an Action Plan.
“This is a time for action rather than discussion,” Kuruleca stated, adding that the newly established Stakeholder Taskforce plans to convene again in eight weeks.