As criminal tactics evolve, leveraging advanced technology has become crucial for enhancing border security. However, cooperation between agencies and the sharing of intelligence are equally essential for safeguarding national security.
Fiji’s Minister for Finance, Esrom Immanuel, emphasized that establishing strong partnerships and maintaining vigilance are fundamental to keeping borders secure. “These reforms position customs not only as a regulator of borders but as a modern, intelligence-driven institution capable of protecting society while enabling legitimate trade and economic growth,” he stated.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Police Force, Aporosa Lutunauga, underscored the importance of a robust network for intelligence sharing. He pointed out existing police cooperation programs and the transnational crime unit based in Western Samoa, which serves the Pacific region. These arrangements with bilateral partners are vital for effective information sharing.
Lutunauga also discussed the monitoring of routes frequently used by criminal networks. He mentioned technologies such as the single window and a yacht system tracker as tools that will be utilized in collaboration with Customs to monitor yachts and their consignments entering Fiji.
Thanks to effective intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration, law enforcement, and customs authorities have successfully intercepted drugs and other contraband that have attempted to be smuggled through various ports. This ongoing effort signifies a proactive approach to securing national borders while fostering legitimate trade. As technology and strategic partnerships continue to improve, the outlook for enhanced border security remains promising, benefiting both safety and economic growth in the region.
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