The challenge of securing Fiji’s maritime borders is worsened by the country’s insufficient vessel tracking regulations, making it increasingly susceptible to being a transit point for drug and human trafficking. Currently, vessels, including yachts and boats, can enter and exit Fiji’s borders without detection by local authorities.
There is no requirement for vessels to have an automatic identification system (AIS) onboard, a tracking system that was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to help monitor vessel movements within Fiji’s waters. It is estimated that between 700 and 800 yachts visit Fiji annually.
The frequent movement of yachts and small boats in and out of Fiji’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) along with limited resources to monitor vast stretches of ocean complicates national border security efforts. The recent drug seizure in Nadi illustrates how criminal organizations can exploit Fiji’s under-resourced state to use its marinas and ports for trafficking significant quantities of methamphetamine valued at billions of dollars.
Earlier this year, authorities seized 4.15 tonnes of meth in Nadi, which had arrived on a yacht that docked near Yasawa before being transferred to a marina in Nadi via a hired barge. In the past five years, the 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 notion of isolated island groups being high-risk areas for drug trafficking is an underestimation. He noted that criminal enterprises operate methodically as commercial ventures, stating, “If they do one thing on this side, they will do three up north.”
As investigations continue into the methamphetamine issue in Fiji, authorities are examining the risks associated with maritime borders, yachting in Fiji, and the role of local agencies in monitoring visiting yachts while protecting the borders from illegal drug activities.
Yachts and small crafts have long been suspected of transporting illegal drugs and other restricted items into Fiji. In 2018, authorities discovered cocaine and ecstasy worth over US$10 million (FJ$22 million) aboard an Australian couple’s yacht at Port Denarau. The yacht’s suspicious itinerary from the United States through South America and French Polynesia to Nadi raised red flags for local officials. Additionally, bricks of cocaine washed ashore on several islands in the Lau Group in the same year.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of Drug Free World Fiji, highlighted instances of yachts taking advantage of locals in the outer islands, recounting stories of girls being trafficked from the Lau Group. These yachts are frequently seen cruising the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups, Savusavu, and the Lau group, near marinas and service centers.
Commodore Tawake expressed concern over the rising number of such vessels operating outside of the typical yachting season, which runs from May to October. While it is uncommon, some yacht operators may choose to sail during this time, which may raise suspicions about their activity. Given that most yachts visiting Fiji originate from Europe, the United States, Australia, or New Zealand, their travel routes can provide essential information to the authorities.
Vessels in Fiji’s waters are subject to search at any time. Several sailors reported that border security officials had conducted extensive searches of boats that had only recently arrived as well as those that had been in Fiji for some time. These searches were described as routine and not based on any specific suspicion.
Cynthia Rasch, CEO of Port Denarau Marina, noted that such exercises have increased over the years, though they have also raised issues regarding the manner in which they were conducted. Some sailors labeled the searches as intrusive and damaging. Complaints arose after a significant operation involving multiple authorities resulted in the seizure of undeclared alcohol, incurring substantial penalties.
Acting Police Commissioner Livai Driu cautioned vessel owners about the possibility of random checks and urged compliance with law enforcement and maritime regulations. Viki Moore, director of the Island Cruising Pacific Rally, expressed concern about the negative impact of disruptive searches on Fiji’s yachting tourism sector, particularly in Savusavu.
To enter Fiji, foreign vessels must inform the FRCS of their arrival ahead of time and ensure they clear through designated ports. Yachts must submit a comprehensive C2-C form that details their onboard stores, crew members, travel origin, destination, and planned duration of stay in Fiji.
The FRCS employs a flag system to assess incoming vessels, and those flagged for further scrutiny undergo thorough searches, which may include the use of detection dogs and additional personnel.
Marinas play a crucial role in reporting any suspicious activities. The FRCS conducts joint maritime patrols and collaborates with coastal communities to monitor illegal actions. Boats permitted into Fiji waters receive a cruising permit from the iTaukei Affairs Board, enhancing surveillance efforts.
Commodore Tawake asserts that law enforcement, including the Navy, should enhance their presence in coastal communities and encourage local reporting of any suspected illicit activities.