The Fiji Education Ministry has called upon the Fiji Police Force’s K9 units to conduct random checks at schools to address the growing drug issue among students. Selina Kuruleca, the permanent secretary of the ministry, presented this request during a Parliamentary Committee session related to the 2022 audit report on the Social Services Sector, advocating for the K9 units’ presence in schools located in high-risk areas.
Kuruleca acknowledged the limitations of the K9 units, stating that they lack the capacity to cover all schools effectively. However, an agreement has been made with the Fiji Police to have K9 units available at major sporting events attended by children, such as the Fiji finals and the Deans competition, where large crowds gather.
Statistics shared by Kuruleca indicate that only 1.7 percent of students have reported using legal or illegal drugs, suggesting that the vast majority—approximately 98 percent—remain unaffected. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, noting that the ministry recently held a meeting that exceeded its initial invitation of 45 participants, ultimately drawing representation from 75 different organizations.
Kuruleca expressed the need for actionable plans moving forward and highlighted the importance of working alongside other ministries, commenting on the previously fragmented approach among different entities. She acknowledged the importance of the counternarcotics strategy while stressing the need for deeper cooperation with organizational partners moving ahead.