DESPITE the presence of CCTV cameras within Fiji Corrections Service facilities around the country, inmates have found ways to smuggle syringes and needles behind bars.
The FCS yesterday confirmed that this has remained a challenge as it tackles the hovering issues of drug use in prison and the risks of HIV infection.
In response to questions from this newspaper, the FCS said needles found during their search were not supplied by Government pharmacies that service the Prison Health Services or in remand facilities.
“The needles that were discovered were alleged to be provided privately or smuggled in as contrabands via their body cavity,” a statement from FCS said.
“This remains one of our greatest challenges today.
“We have CCTV cameras, but inmates will always find a way to manoeuvre around this.
“These experiences, however, helps us plan for the future.”
In the recent past, a number of individuals in remand have made bail applications, telling the High Court in Suva they fear contracting HIV if held in prison custody for a longer period.
One applicant seeking release said he was scared to return to the facility because they were forced to take injections by other inmates.
On the issue of contrabands, including cell phones and packets of cigarettes, being thrown over the fence at the Korovou prison in Suva, the FCS said these outside factors were unavoidable.
“But we have often apprehended those who commit this via CCTV identification while some are caught in the act and handed over to the police to face the consequences.
“Sad to say that some of the perpetrators are former remand inmates who take instructions when they are released to throw in contrabands. We cannot control things that happen from the outside but we can only raise awareness and plead with the public at large to support the work that we do. Contrabands are not helping those inside prison.”
