The difficulties in monitoring Fiji’s porous maritime borders are heightened by inadequate vessel tracking regulations, making the country more susceptible to becoming a hub for drug and human trafficking. Currently, vessels such as yachts and boats can traverse Fiji’s borders without being detected by local authorities. There is no requirement for vessels to maintain an automatic identification system (AIS), which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep track of maritime movements within Fiji’s waters.
It is estimated that 700 to 800 yachts visit Fiji annually. The considerable movement of these vessels within Fiji’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the lack of resources to monitor an extensive ocean area present significant challenges to national border security.
The recent drug seizure in Nadi illustrates how criminal organizations and local operatives exploit Fiji’s limited resources to use its marinas and ports as transit points for large amounts of methamphetamine, valued in the billions of dollars. Earlier this year, 4.15 tonnes of meth were intercepted in Nadi after arriving on a yacht that docked in Yasawa waters before the drugs were transferred to a barge bound for a Nadi marina.
Over the past five years, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has documented 47 drug-related incidents at the border. Commodore Humphrey Tawake, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division, stated that the misconception that isolated islands are the primary drug trafficking hotspots is inaccurate. He emphasized, “The whole of Fiji is equally at risk. Criminals operate like commercial entities.”
Continued investigations into the methamphetamine issues in Fiji will delve into the risks associated with maritime borders, local yachting activities, and the responsibilities of authorities in overseeing visiting yachts to prevent illegal drug activities.
Yachts and small boats have been long suspected of facilitating the smuggling of illegal drugs into Fiji. For instance, in 2018, local authorities discovered over US$10 million worth of cocaine and ecstasy on an Australian couple’s yacht at Port Denarau, raising suspicions due to its unusual route from the United States, through South America and French Polynesia, to Nadi.
Moreover, drug-related incidents have been reported in which yachts allegedly exploit locals in outer islands. Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free World Fiji, recounted instances where girls were picked up from the Lau Group and trafficked around the islands for nefarious purposes. These vessels often navigate near the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups, Savusavu, and other marinas.
Commodore Tawake expressed concerns over the growing number of yachts, particularly when they operate outside the usual yachting season from May to October. He noted that vessels arriving from regions like South America must share necessary travel information as part of regional cooperation.
In Fiji, vessels are subject to inspection at any time while within its waters. Recently, multiple sailors reported increased searches carried out by border security officials on vessels that had just checked in, as well as those that had been docked for a week. These searches, while described as routine, have drawn criticism for being intrusive and damaging. Some sailors have sought reimbursement for damages incurred during such inspections.
Acting Police Commissioner Livai Driu has issued a warning to vessel owners about the possibility of random checks and urged compliance with maritime and law enforcement regulations. Viki Moore, director of the Island Cruising Pacific Rally, expressed concern over the negative experiences of some sailors and emphasized the importance of careful searches that do not lead to damage or loss of property.
To enter Fiji, foreign vessels must provide advance notification of their arrival and first stop at designated ports for official clearance. They are required to fill out a detailed 13-page C2-C form, declaring onboard stores, crew members, and intended length of stay. Following approval, vessels must engage with customs and security agencies at various marinas across the country.
The authorities employ a flag system to evaluate incoming vessels—red flags trigger more in-depth inspections. FRCS emphasizes community involvement and vigilance through its Coastal Watch Programme, encouraging local engagement to report suspicious activities. Commodore Tawake advocates for a stronger law enforcement presence in coastal communities to enhance surveillance and reporting of unusual activities.