The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) made a significant interception at Savusavu Port this week when a foreign-flagged yacht arrived. In anticipation of the yacht’s arrival, the FRCS conducted a thorough risk assessment that raised several concerns. This led maritime officers to carry out a targeted inspection of the vessel, resulting in the discovery of two semi-automatic pistols, 30 CO2 cartridges, and a staggering 1,138 undeclared pallets not disclosed by the yacht’s skipper.
Fiji’s Arms and Ammunition Act imposes strict regulations regarding the possession and transportation of firearms and ammunition, necessitating that all vessels declare such items in advance of docking. Consequently, following the alarming findings, the case has been handed over to the Fiji Police Force for further investigation.
The FRCS took this opportunity to remind all travelers, especially yacht owners and sailors, of their obligation to provide accurate declarations when notifying authorities of their imminent arrival. They highlighted that failing to comply could lead to legal enforcement actions.
This incident is part of a larger effort by Fijian authorities to enhance maritime security amid growing concerns about illegal activities linked to yacht movements, including drug and human trafficking. The Fiji Police Force has previously identified challenges in monitoring unusual yacht activities and underscored the critical need for community collaboration to uphold national security.
Udit Singh, the CEO of FRCS, articulated the ongoing partnerships with local marinas aimed at reinforcing inspection policies for arriving yachts. In response to the recent discovery of undeclared firearms, the agency is stepping up its efforts to improve border security and is advocating for public vigilance.
These developments highlight the proactive measures being taken by Fijian authorities to tackle illegal activities and enforce compliance with national regulations. With ongoing community engagement and adherence to enforcement actions, there is optimism for creating a safer maritime environment for both residents and visitors.