The monitoring of Fiji’s maritime borders faces significant challenges, primarily due to insufficient vessel tracking regulations, which increase the risk of the country being exploited as a transit point for drug and human trafficking. Currently, boats and yachts can navigate Fiji’s waters without detection from local authorities, as maintaining an automatic identification system (AIS) is not compulsory. This vessel tracking system was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to aid in monitoring maritime movements.
Fiji welcomes an estimated 700 to 800 yachts annually, with the busy maritime traffic and the limitations in resources to oversee vast ocean areas complicating national border security efforts. The recent seizure of drugs in Nadi illustrates how criminal networks can leverage Fiji’s limited resources to operate through its maritime hubs, transporting large quantities of methamphetamine worth billions. A notable case involved the confiscation of 4.15 tonnes of meth earlier this year, which arrived on a yacht that anchored in Yasawa waters.
Over the last five years, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) reported 47 drug detections at the border. Commodore Humphrey Tawake, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division, emphasized that the entire nation should be regarded as equally vulnerable to drug trafficking, as criminals often operate strategically and adaptively across various regions.
Investigations into the methamphetamine issue emphasize the risks at Fiji’s maritime borders, particularly concerning the yachting industry and local authority monitoring efforts. Yachts have long been suspected of smuggling illegal drugs and prohibited items. In 2018, authorities recovered over US$10 million worth of cocaine and ecstasy from an Australian couple’s yacht at Port Denarau, raising concerns about its suspicious journey from the U.S. through South America to Fiji. Similar incidents have occurred, such as bricks of cocaine washing ashore in the Lau Group.
Drug Free World Fiji’s founder, Kalesi Volatabu, shared alarming accounts of yachts allegedly exploiting local women from outer islands for trafficking purposes. Commodore Tawake noted the growing presence of yachts, particularly outside the typical yachting season, which runs from May to October. Various yachts coming from regions like Europe and the Americas provide relevant intelligence on their travel routes, which should be effectively communicated through established regional partnerships.
Vessels in Fiji waters are subject to inspection at any time. Recently, border security officials conducted searches on numerous boats, raising concerns among sailors about the intrusiveness of these actions. While it is routine for officials to inspect vessels, some sailors reported damage to their property during these searches. Acting Police Commissioner Livai Driu emphasized that random checks will continue and urged compliance with maritime laws.
FRCS mandates that foreign vessels notify authorities of their arrival and must secure clearance at designated ports before proceeding through Fijian waters. The entry process includes completing a detailed C2-C form concerning onboard stores, crew, and trip intentions. Red flags in these forms can trigger extensive searches by customs and border security officials.
Community surveillance and reporting suspicious activities are critical roles played by marinas, with FRCS engaging in joint sea and maritime patrols. Additionally, a cruising permit issued by the iTaukei Affairs Board is required for vessels, allowing them to navigate within Fijian waters. Commodore Tawake called for enhancing law enforcement presence in coastal communities to encourage reporting of any illicit activities.