The Immigration Ministry of Fiji has raised concerns about illegal activities involving ships and yachts within its waters, revealing that some yachts, previously cleared by immigration officials, are colluding with larger ships to smuggle illegal substances into the country. Permanent secretary Aliki Salusalu highlighted this troubling trend during a meeting with the Lau Provincial Council, stating, “Some yachts travel out to deeper waters to meet with the bigger ships and carry back to our country illegal packages.”
This development adds to the growing challenges faced by Fiji’s border security efforts. The country has long been viewed as vulnerable to exploitation due to inadequate vessel tracking regulations, which have made it easier for illicit activities, such as drug trafficking, to thrive. With approximately 700 to 800 yachts visiting Fiji annually, monitoring the movement of these vessels has proven to be a daunting task, especially given the vast expanse of ocean that the authorities must oversee.
Salusalu emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, urging local community leaders to assist in reporting suspicious activities. The administration is employing a proactive approach to strengthen border security, reminding the public to contact authorities with any pertinent information. This includes deploying combined teams from immigration, Customs, the Navy, and the police when necessary.
The recent seizure of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi underscores the severity of the situation. This shipment, which was transported from an overseas yacht docked in Yasawa waters to a marina in Nadi, revealed the capabilities of organized crime groups to exploit Fiji’s limited resources. The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has reported 47 instances of illicit drug detection at the border over the past five years, indicating a surge in illegal activities linked to maritime traffic.
General awareness and community involvement are crucial to combating these issues. The FRCS has recently intensified its efforts to curb smuggling through partnerships with local marinas and stakeholders to implement rigorous yacht inspections. The intention is to establish a robust framework that not only addresses maritime security but also safeguards the economy and general public safety.
As Fiji grapples with these pressing concerns, a hopeful outlook remains. Investments in border security measures, combined with the active participation of local communities, have the potential to deter illegal activities and ensure the nation’s maritime borders are better protected. The collaboration between authorities and residents signifies a commitment to fostering a more secure environment, ultimately preserving the integrity of Fiji as a safe destination for legitimate travelers and tourists.
Leave a comment