The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is enhancing its efforts to secure the nation’s borders by collaborating with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to combat sophisticated drug-smuggling techniques. In a recent virtual training session, officials discussed the evolving strategies employed by traffickers, who increasingly camouflage narcotics within legitimate shipments.
Participants learned about various methods, including tampering with container seals, the “rip-on and rip-off” technique, and concealing drugs in refrigerated containers. In response to these challenges, FRCS plans to ramp up inspections, employing both intrusive and non-intrusive methods to scrutinize high-risk cargo and empty spaces in containers identified through rigorous risk assessments.
To bolster its enforcement capabilities, ABF provided FRCS with two advanced “Snake Eye” inspection devices, which will significantly enhance the agency’s ability to detect illegal substances. Shelini Kumar, the Director of Border at FRCS, emphasized that this training and the introduction of advanced equipment will empower FRCS to remain proactive against traffickers, thwarting their attempts to exploit legitimate trade routes.
This collaboration between Fiji and Australia is a positive stride towards strengthening border security and ensuring the integrity of trade practices, showcasing a commitment to combating global drug trafficking effectively.
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