Fiji Police have reported 3,519 cases of student involvement in drug use, which represents about 1.7% of the 207,000 students in the country. This information was presented by Permanent Secretary of Education Selina Kuruleca during a report on the Ministry’s 2022 Audit Report on Social Services Sector to the Public Accounts Committee.
Kuruleca noted that 98% of students, or 202,860 individuals, have not engaged in drug use, and the goal is to increase that figure to 99% within the next year through effective policies and improved collaboration with stakeholders.
In March 2024, discussions were held with the Fiji Police Dog Unit to initiate random drug checks in larger schools or those located in high-risk areas. However, the police were unable to provide support for this initiative. Kuruleca mentioned that an agreement had been established with the Police to maintain a drug-free environment at major sporting events, such as the Fiji Finals Competition and DEANS Competition, where attendance from both children and adults is high. Some individuals have been arrested for possession of illicit drugs at these events.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the necessity for stakeholders to find innovative solutions to address this growing issue. For the first time, the Ministry of Education organized a Stakeholders Taskforce with partners to collaboratively establish clear indicators and develop an Action Plan.
“It was time to act and enough talking,” Kuruleca stated. The newly formed Stakeholder Taskforce is set to reconvene in eight weeks.