The difficulty in monitoring Fiji’s extensive maritime borders is heightened by the country’s inadequate vessel tracking regulations, making it more susceptible to being used as a transit point for drug and human trafficking. Currently, boats and yachts can move across Fiji’s borders without detection by local authorities. The implementation of an automatic identification system (AIS), designed during the COVID-19 pandemic to help track vessel movements, is not mandatory for all ships.
It is estimated that approximately 700 to 800 yachts visit Fiji annually. The constant flow of yachts and small crafts entering and exiting Fiji’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), combined with limited resources for monitoring vast ocean areas, presents significant challenges to national border security efforts. The recent seizure of drugs in Nadi illustrates how criminal organizations can take advantage of Fiji’s resource limitations to use its marinas and ports for transporting substantial quantities of methamphetamine valued at billions of dollars.
As noted in a previous column, 4.15 tonnes of meth confiscated in Nadi earlier this year arrived from overseas aboard a yacht that docked in the Yasawa waters before the drugs were moved by a hired barge to a marina in Nadi. The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) reported 47 instances of illicit drug detection at the border over the past five years.
Commodore Humphrey Tawake, Commander for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division, emphasized that characterizing only scattered island groups as high-risk areas for drug trafficking is overly simplistic. He remarked, “The entirety of Fiji is equally vulnerable. Criminals operate with a level of sophistication and treat their activities as a commercial operation.”
Investigations into the methamphetamine issue in Fiji reveal the dangers associated with maritime borders, yachting, and the responsibilities of local authorities in overseeing visiting yachts to prevent illegal drug activity.
Yachts have long been suspected of smuggling illegal drugs and other contraband into the country. In 2018, authorities seized more than US$10 million (FJ$22 million) worth of cocaine and ecstasy from the yacht owned by an Australian couple at Port Denarau. The yacht’s peculiar route from the United States, through South America and French Polynesia, raised alarms among local officials. During the same year, bricks of cocaine washed ashore on various islands in the Lau Group.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free World Fiji, mentioned that she is aware of instances where yachts exploit locals in remote islands, including reports of young girls being trafficked among the islands.
Commodore Tawake expressed concerns about the rising number of vessels operating outside the usual yachting season from May to October, as some yacht owners extend their stays during these periods, which may appear suspicious. The journey of most visiting yachts from regions like Europe, the United States, Australia, or New Zealand can be crucial for authorities in assessing risks.
Vessels in Fiji’s waters are subject to inspections at any time. Several sailors reported an increase in routine searches by border security officials on boats that had recently checked in, as well as those that had already been in the country.
Cynthia Rasch, CEO of Port Denarau Marina, acknowledged that these search operations have risen significantly over the years but pointed out that they could become chaotic. There have been complaints regarding the manner in which searches were conducted, with some sailors feeling their privacy was violated. Following a noteworthy joint search operation conducted by various agencies in Savusavu, complaints surfaced regarding the treatment of vessels during inspections.
Acting Police Commissioner Livai Driu reiterated the need for compliance from vessel owners, stating that random checks would remain in effect. Viki Moore, director of the Island Cruising Pacific Rally, expressed concern about how negative experiences from searches might affect Fiji’s yachting tourism.
To enter Fiji, foreign vessels must notify the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service in advance and proceed to a designated Port of Entry for clearance. They must complete a detailed joint C2-C form, detailing their onboard stores, crew, origin, and intended duration of stay. Upon approval, visiting yachts must seek clearance at various marinas throughout the country.
FRCS uses a flagging system—green, yellow, and red—to assess vessels. If a C2-C form raises several red flags, it triggers a thorough search involving customs and security officials.
Marinas play a crucial role in reporting suspicious activities. The FRCS’s Coastal Watch Programme collaborates with maritime communities to monitor and report any illegal activities. Vessels entering Fiji’s waters must obtain a cruising permit issued by the iTaukei Affairs Board.
Commodore Tawake advocates for increased law enforcement presence in local communities, urging residents to report any suspicious activities.