AN inmate at a prison complex in Fiji had to undergo surgery after hiding a mobile phone inside a body cavity.
Fiji Correction Services (FCS), training and rehab director, Isireli Dausiga said the device had overheated and partially melted, causing serious internal injuries.
“This shows the extreme risks of smuggling contraband,” he said.
Mr Dausiga said some inmates in similar situations have suffered long-term health problems, including cancer.
“I am raising awareness to ensure people don’t continue this trend. For those with family members currently in these facilities, please understand that such actions do not help them.”
While speaking at the FCS symposium at Raralevu in Nabouwalu, he said families and visitors must understand the risks involved in smuggling.
“If you have family within the system, please do not engage in these practices, as they only complicate the operation and administration of our correctional facilities.”
He said the Corrections Service had stepped up monitoring and awareness programs to prevent incidents like this from happening again.
“This is a warning for everyone involved.”
He said no matter the intention, smuggling inside the body or into prisons was extremely dangerous and could have life-changing consequences.
Severe penalties for smuggling
INMATES caught smuggling contraband into prison face risks of not only legal trouble but potentially an additional year or more added to their sentence.
This was the comment made by the Fiji Correction Services’ training and rehab director Isireli Dausiga, after he was asked about the consequences of smuggling contraband inside prisons.
“Smuggling is a major constraint on our operations and affects all 50 correctional facilities in Fiji,” he said.
Contraband, including marijuana, methamphetamine, cigarettes, Fijian tobacco, and mobile phones, is entering facilities through increasingly inventive methods.
While speaking at the FCS symposium at Raralevu in Nabouwalu, Mr Dausiga said some items are thrown over fences, others are hidden in footwear, flip-flops, or even baby supplies.
“When contraband is discovered, the police are immediately called to investigate.
Offenders face penalties determined by law, which can include additional months or years added to their
sentences.
When asked whether there have been any reports of prison officers smuggling drugs to inmates, he said there were no recent ones.
He said FCS had introduced stricter policies to prevent staff from smuggling items and ensure safer facilities.
