Monitoring Fiji’s extensive maritime borders has become increasingly challenging due to the nation’s insufficient vessel tracking regulations. This has heightened the risk of Fiji being exploited as a transit point for drug and human trafficking.
Currently, vessels, including yachts and small boats, can cross Fiji’s maritime boundaries without being detected by local authorities. The implementation of an automatic identification system (AIS) — intended to monitor vessel movements in the region during the COVID-19 pandemic — is not mandatory.
About 700 to 800 yachts visit Fiji annually, and the significant movement of these crafts, combined with limited resources to monitor thousands of kilometers of ocean, complicates national border security efforts. The recent drug seizure in Nadi illustrates how criminal organizations can take advantage of Fiji’s resource limitations to transit large quantities of methamphetamine, worth billions of dollars.
Earlier this year, authorities seized 4.15 tons of meth in Nadi after it arrived on a yacht that docked near the Yasawa Islands before being moved to a marina in Nadi. In the last five years, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has recorded 47 incidents of illicit drug detection at the border.
Commander Humphrey Tawake from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division emphasized that the perception of scattered island groups being high-risk areas for drug trafficking is an understatement. He stated, “The whole of Fiji is at risk. These criminals operate like a commercial business.”
As investigations into the methamphetamine issue continue, there is a focus on the risks associated with Fiji’s maritime borders, local yachting, and the responsibilities of authorities in overseeing visiting vessels.
Yachts have a long history of involvement in smuggling illegal drugs. In 2018, authorities discovered over USD 10 million worth of cocaine and ecstasy on an Australian couple’s yacht at Port Denarau, raising alarm due to the yacht’s suspicious journey from the United States through South America and French Polynesia.
Local activist Kalesi Volatabu shared concerns about the exploitation of locals by yachts in the outer islands. She described incidents where young girls were trafficked between islands for sex and parties.
The growing number of vessels is concerning, especially when they operate outside the typical yachting season from May to October. Although some yacht owners may stay longer, unusual migration patterns can arouse suspicion. Most yachts arriving in Fiji come from Europe, the United States, Australia, or New Zealand, and their routes are important for authorities to monitor.
Official searches of vessels are routine in Fiji’s waters. Some sailors reported that large groups of border security officials have conducted thorough searches on boats, including those that had been in Fiji for some time. These searches have drawn criticism for being intrusive and damaging. One sailor even sought reimbursement from the FRCS for damages to their boat during a search.
In response to these concerns, the Acting Police Commissioner has warned boat owners of impending random checks and emphasized the need for compliance with maritime laws. Viki Moore, from the Island Cruising Pacific Rally, urged visiting yachts to declare all items properly and stressed the importance of careful search operations to preserve boats.
Foreign vessels must notify the FRCS of their arrival in advance, proceed to designated ports for clearance, and complete a comprehensive declaration form before entering Fijian waters. The FRCS employs a flag system to categorize vessels based on their risk level, influencing the thoroughness of inspections.
Community engagement is critical in reporting suspicious maritime activities. The FRCS collaborates with local communities through a Coastal Watch Programme and issues cruising permits to monitor vessels’ movements. However, Commodore Tawake believes there is a need for more visible law enforcement presence in island communities to encourage reporting of illicit activities.