A mobile phone, batteries, charger and suspected contraband concealed inside a bar of washing soap were discovered during a snap search operation at Fiji’s Maximum Corrections Centre this week.
The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) said correctional personnel carried out planned searches within C Wing of the facility on June 1 and 2 as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and prevent the possession of prohibited items.
According to the FCS, inmate Vilikesa Delana was allegedly found in possession of a mobile phone, batteries and a charger during the operation.
In a separate discovery, inmate Isaia Bobo was allegedly found with suspected contraband hidden inside a bar of washing soap.
The service said both incidents are now subject to internal investigations and disciplinary processes.
The searches were part of routine security measures aimed at detecting prohibited items that could compromise safety, order and discipline within the correctional facility.
During a subsequent search operation on June 2, another incident occurred involving inmate Usaia Kilaiverata.
The FCS said Kilaiverata became verbally abusive towards correctional officers after approaching the Officer in Charge regarding a personal matter. Despite being instructed to wait, he allegedly continued his disruptive behaviour before physically resisting officers and attempting to assault a correctional officer.
Correctional officers responded by using what the service described as necessary and reasonable force to restrain the inmate and restore order.
Kilaiverata was later placed in segregation in accordance with correctional procedures.
The Fiji Corrections Service also used the statement to refute allegations circulating on social media that inmates were injured during the operation or placed in segregation without clothing.
It said Kilaiverata was examined by Senior Medical Officer Dr Orisi and nursing staff following the incident and was found to have sustained no injuries.
The service further confirmed that no correctional officers or other inmates were injured during the operation.
FCS dismissed claims that inmates were held in a “dark cell” without clothing, describing the allegations as entirely false and maintaining that all inmates in segregation are managed according to established policies and standards relating to welfare, safety and security.
The service has urged members of the public to avoid sharing unverified information and to rely on official communications for accurate updates regarding correctional operations.
