2 Corrections officers terminated for alleged drug possession and involvement in drug network

The two Fiji Corrections Service officers who were allegedly caught with illegal drugs and incriminating material and were allegedly involved in a drug network have been terminated from their positions due to serious breaches of conduct.

A Corrections officer was apprehended for allegedly attempting to smuggle marijuana, suki and mobile phones into the Minimum Correction Centre in Naboro during his second shift on night guard duty on early Tuesday morning.

In another case, a raid conducted at an officer’s home in Lautoka resulted in the retrieval of an incriminating video, material used for drug packaging and cash.

He was apprehended in a vehicle with a known ex-convict, who is a prominent figure in the drug trade and was previously held at the Lautoka Remand Center on drug-related charges.

The Corrections Service says during the search, a video depicting an inmate using the officer's phone inside the Lautoka Remand Center to arrange the delivery of marijuana, suki, and ice was retrieved.

They say photos retrieved from the officer's phone show him with one of the 13 individuals accused in the 3-tonne drug bust in Legalega, Nadi.

The Corrections Service says the Police will do their own investigation but as far as they are concerned, both the officers have been dismissed.

They say terminating them from the organisation underscores their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability within the organisation.

They say they are also taking significant steps to enhance their security protocols which include increased sniffer dog presence where they are intensifying the deployment of sniffer dogs throughout the facilities.

The Corrections Service says they are implementing rigorous training programs aimed at reinforcing the importance of security awareness among all personnel and carrying out advocacy for staff responsibilities that emphasizes the critical role each staff member plays in providing safe and humane treatment to all individuals under their care.