The Ministry of Education in Fiji has sought the assistance of the Fiji Police Force K9 units to conduct random checks in schools as a measure to tackle drug-related issues among students. During a parliamentary committee meeting concerning the 2022 audit report on the Social Services Sector, permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca shared the ministry’s plan to deploy K9 units in schools located in high-risk areas.
Ms. Kuruleca indicated that the K9 units currently lack the capacity to carry out these checks routinely. Consequently, an agreement has been reached with the police whereby the units will be present at major sporting events attended by students, such as the Fiji finals and the Deans competition, where large gatherings of children and adults occur.
Highlighting the current situation, Ms. Kuruleca noted that only 1.7 percent of students reported having engaged in licit or illicit drug use, suggesting that the vast majority, about 98 percent, have not been involved with drugs.
The ministry recently conducted its first stakeholder task force meeting, which was attended by representatives from 75 different organizations, despite initially inviting only 45 participants. Ms. Kuruleca emphasized the importance of collaboration among various ministries to implement effective strategies against drug use.
Expressing gratitude for the existing counternarcotics strategy, she called for deeper engagement with partners to enhance the ministry’s efforts.