Fiji Intercepts Foreign Yacht Carrying Undeclared Arms

Fiji Intercepts Foreign Yacht Carrying Undeclared Arms

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has announced the interception of a foreign-flagged yacht at Savusavu Port earlier this week. This action followed a risk-based assessment that had raised numerous red flags prior to the yacht’s arrival.

Upon receiving an advance notification of the yacht’s docking, FRCS officers conducted a targeted inspection. The search revealed two semi-automatic pistols, 30 CO₂ cartridges, and 1,138 pellets, all of which had not been declared by the yacht’s skipper, raising compliance concerns under Fiji’s Arms and Ammunition Act. This legislation requires valid permits and licensing to possess firearms and mandates that any such items must be declared in advance when entering Fiji’s waters.

In response to the incident, FRCS has forwarded the case to the Fiji Police Force for further investigation. The agency has since issued a statement urging all travelers, including yacht owners and sailors, to provide complete and accurate declarations when submitting their advance arrival information. Non-compliance would result in enforcement actions according to the law.

This interception underscores the ongoing challenges Fijian authorities face in monitoring maritime security, especially concerning illegal arms and drug trafficking linked with yacht movements. A recent series of incidents emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance, as similar operations have occurred where firearms and ammunition were seized from vessels, some connected to notable families in Fiji.

In light of this development, FRCS and the Fiji Police Force are advocating for community cooperation and awareness to enhance border security. By fostering local reporting of suspicious activities, they aim to create a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.

While the interception highlights existing issues within maritime law enforcement, it also demonstrates the proactive steps taken by authorities to address these challenges head-on, ultimately aiming to secure Fiji’s borders and maintain public safety. As investigations progress, there is a hopeful outlook that these efforts will result in enhanced compliance with laws surrounding arms possession and contribute to the overall safety of the nation.

Popular Categories


Search the website