Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa has urged the government and health organizations to strengthen support for rehabilitation programs and provide resources for those affected by drug addiction.
The increase in drug trafficking not only impacts public health and safety but is also taking its toll on the operations within the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS).
FCS stated that they were facing significant challenges because of the escalating traffic in hard drugs.
“Within our correctional facilities, we are struggling to contain the use and smuggling of drugs,” FCS said in a statement.
“Our remand centres, in particular, pose significant challenges due to their high turnover population.
“Inmates under the influence of hard drugs often exhibit aggressive and confrontational behaviour, creating a volatile environment for both staff and other inmates.”
Despite stringent security measures, FCS continued to confiscate drugs from various drop-off points around the facilities, including attempts to smuggle drugs by throwing them over the walls.
FCS noted that the increasing use of needles for drug injection was a primary contributor to the spike in HIV cases, coupled with the deterioration of mental faculties among drug users.
“We are committed to addressing these issues through rigorous measures and heightened vigilance, but we need the support of the entire community.
“By working together, we can help prevent the spread of addiction and its associated harms.”