The challenge of overseeing Fiji’s vulnerable maritime borders is intensified by the nation’s lax vessel tracking regulations, which heighten the risk of Fiji being exploited as a hub for drug and human trafficking. Currently, various vessels, including yachts and boats, can pass through Fiji’s borders without detection by local authorities. There is no requirement for these vessels to be equipped with an automatic identification system (AIS), which was introduced during COVID-19 to monitor vessel movements within Fiji’s maritime boundaries.
Annually, it is estimated that between 700 and 800 yachts visit Fiji. The substantial movement of small crafts entering and exiting Fiji’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), combined with limited resources to monitor vast ocean areas, presents significant challenges to national border security measures. The recent drug seizure in Nadi exemplifies how criminal organizations can take advantage of Fiji’s limited resources to use its marinas and ports for the transit of significant quantities of methamphetamine worth billions.
Earlier this year, authorities confiscated 4.15 tonnes of meth in Nadi. This meth originated overseas on a yacht that docked in Yasawa waters before being transported to a marina in Nadi. Over the past five years, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has documented 47 illicit drug detections at the border.
Commodore Humphrey Tawake, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division, stated that labeling scattered island groups as high-risk areas for drug trafficking is an oversimplification. He emphasized that all of Fiji shares equal vulnerability, noting that criminals operate strategically and commercially.
As investigations into the methamphetamine issue continue, concerns regarding maritime borders, yachting in Fiji, and the role of local authorities in overseeing visiting yachts and protecting borders from illegal drug activity are being closely examined.
Yachts and small vessels have a history of being suspected of trafficking illicit drugs and other illegal goods. In 2018, authorities found over US$10 million worth of cocaine and ecstasy aboard a yacht belonging to an Australian couple at Port Denarau. The yacht’s unusual voyage from the United States, through South America and French Polynesia to Nadi, raised alarms among officials. That same year, bricks of cocaine were discovered washed ashore on various islands within the Lau Group.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free World Fiji, pointed out that some yachts might be taking advantage of locals in remote islands. She recounted reports of girls from the Lau Group being picked up by yachts and subjected to trafficking for sex and parties.
Commodore Tawake expressed concern over the growing number of these vessels, particularly when they operate outside the established yachting season of May to October. While most visiting yachts come from Europe, the United States, Australia, or New Zealand, their travel routes to Fiji could provide critical intelligence to authorities.
When in Fiji’s waters, vessels may be searched at any time. Several sailors reported seeing large groups of border security personnel recently conducting searches of both newly arrived and long-staying boats under what they described as routine checks. Port Denarau Marina’s CEO, Cynthia Rasch, acknowledged an increase in such searches and noted criticism regarding their conduct.
Acting Police Commissioner Operations Livai Driu warned vessel owners to expect random inspections and urged compliance with maritime regulations. Viki Moore, director of the Island Cruising Pacific Rally, voiced concerns about the experiences of some sailors, advocating for careful searches to avoid damage or loss of property.
FRCS mandates that foreign vessels entering Fiji notify them in advance and proceed to designated Ports of Entry for clearance before navigating in Fiji’s waters. Foreign crafts must complete a detailed joint C2-C form prior to departure, which outlines various details including the vessel’s stores, crew, and travel itinerary.
Additionally, marinas play a crucial role in reporting suspicious activities, while FRCS collaborates with coastal communities to detect illegal activities through initiatives like the Coastal Watch Programme. Commodore Tawake believes enhanced law enforcement presence in island communities is vital for encouraging reporting of suspicious activities to authorities.