CCTV foils prison contraband smuggling attempt

Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) officers intercepted a package containing drugs, mobile phones and other prohibited items after it was thrown into the Suva Corrections Centre at Walu Bay on Monday morning.

The incident occurred at about 11am and appeared to have been timed to coincide with lunch operations, when inmates were moving from their dormitories to the kitchen mess hall.

According to the FCS, security systems and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras captured images of the suspects involved, along with details of the vehicle used in the alleged attempt to smuggle contraband into the prison compound.

The service said it was working closely with the Fiji Police Force to identify, locate and arrest those responsible.

Acting Commissioner of Corrections Auta Moceisuva condemned the incident, saying such actions undermined efforts to rehabilitate inmates.

“This is a prime example of the lack of support from members of the public who continue to fuel this illegal activity,” Mr Moceisuva said.

“We have identified the culprits through our security systems and CCTV, recorded their car registration numbers, and are now working with the Police to bring them to justice.”

The package contained a range of prohibited items, including 17 rolls of marijuana, two sachets of methamphetamine crystals and 45 rolls of suki.

Officers also seized one touchscreen mobile phone, one button mobile phone, one thumb-sized phone and a charging cable.

Other items recovered included a gas lighter, two packets of chocolate, two packets of chewing gum and two packets of Sunrise Bongo bean snacks.

The Fiji Corrections Service reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on contraband, saying it continued to strengthen surveillance and security measures to prevent illegal items from entering correctional facilities.