Fiji’s Prisons Crack Down: Cooked Food Ban Amid Rising Contraband Concerns

The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is currently facing challenges with an ongoing increase in contraband items smuggled into prison facilities. A major incident occurred during a routine inspection at the Naboro Prison, where officials seized a substantial black bag containing various illegal items, including a touchscreen mobile phone, marijuana, mobile batteries, a type of smoking substance known as suki, and a white powder that is suspected to be narcotics.

The rising wave of illegal activities has raised alarms within the FCS, which believes these actions obstruct their rehabilitation efforts. The service emphasized its commitment to humane treatment of offenders while highlighting that drug smuggling poses a serious threat to rehabilitation initiatives.

In light of these developments, the FCS is reassessing and tightening its security measures, particularly focusing on the potential concealment of contraband within belongings that visitors bring during prison visits.

In a significant precautionary measure, the FCS announced that it will prohibit the consumption of cooked food brought by family members and relatives during the upcoming festive season. The officials acknowledge the importance of food in family interactions, especially during celebrations, but stressed that this decision aims to prevent the introduction of potentially harmful items into the facility.

The FCS is urging public cooperation to ensure the safety and integrity of the prison system. This suspension of cooked food is part of a comprehensive strategy targeting the alarming rise in drug smuggling and other contraband infiltration.

In summary, the FCS is taking critical steps to enhance security and maintain a focus on rehabilitation despite the challenges posed by contraband smuggling. This response demonstrates the organization’s commitment to creating a safer environment for both inmates and correctional staff. The increased awareness and action taken by the FCS could pave the way for improved rehabilitation efforts and a more secure prison system for the future.