The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) is set to launch plans for a new drug rehabilitation centre in Naboro, addressing the increasing issue of drug abuse among inmates. Acting Commissioner Auta Moceisuva highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing prison services and providing targeted treatment to offenders who are grappling with addiction.
In his remarks, Mr. Moceisuva emphasized the ongoing discussions with various authorities regarding the establishment of the facility, expressing hope that donor partners will provide essential support for its construction. He noted the significant challenges current correctional facilities face in managing drug-dependent inmates, many of whom enter the system exhibiting violent or erratic behavior.
The commissioner pointed out that inmates with addictions often resort to smuggling drugs and mobile phones into the facilities, thus posing additional security risks. “Those with addictions will go to great lengths to smuggle drugs into the facility, whether through their body cavities or by throwing them into the walls of our facilities,” he elaborated.
To further combat these challenges, Mr. Moceisuva indicated that discussions are in progress to enhance security technology at prison gates, including the potential implementation of X-ray machines, although financial constraints remain an obstacle.
The proposed Naboro rehabilitation centre is anticipated to offer specialized programs designed to treat addiction, lower the rate of recidivism, and assist in the reintegration of inmates into society, ultimately fostering a healthier community. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive rehabilitation services within the correctional system, providing hope for both inmates and society at large.