Monitoring Fiji’s maritime borders poses significant challenges, primarily due to inadequate vessel tracking regulations. This situation heightens the risk of Fiji being exploited as a conduit for drug and human trafficking. Currently, vessels such as yachts and boats can cross into Fiji’s waters without detection by local authorities, as maintaining an automatic identification system (AIS) onboard is not mandatory. This system, which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to track vessel movements, has not been widely adopted.
An estimated 700 to 800 yachts visit Fiji annually, and the considerable traffic of these vessels, combined with limited resources for monitoring thousands of kilometers of ocean, complicates national border security efforts. The recent drug seizures in Nadi highlight how criminal syndicates exploit the country’s insufficient resources to use its marinas and ports for smuggling large quantities of methamphetamine worth billions. Earlier this year, authorities seized 4.15 tonnes of meth that had arrived from overseas on a yacht, which docked in Yasawa before the drugs were transported to a marina in Nadi.
Over the past five years, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has recorded 47 instances of illicit drug detection at the borders. Commodore Humphrey Tawake, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division, emphasized that the entire Fiji region should be viewed as equally vulnerable to drug trafficking, pointing out that criminals often operate like a business.
The investigation into Fiji’s methamphetamine problem reveals significant risks related to its maritime borders, yachting, and the role of local authorities in monitoring visiting vessels and preventing illegal activities. Yachts have previously been linked to drug smuggling; for example, in 2018, authorities discovered drugs worth over US$10 million onboard an Australian couple’s yacht in Port Denarau, which had a concerning travel history.
Additionally, there have been reports of exploitation, with local girls being trafficked by crews on yachts in the outer islands. Commodore Tawake noted that the presence of vessels operating outside the official yachting season from May to October raises concerns, as unusual migration patterns of boats may indicate suspicious activities.
In terms of law enforcement, vessels can be subjected to searches at any time while in Fijian waters. Recently, numerous boats were inspected by groups of border security officials, though many sailors described these checks as routine rather than based on suspicion, raising concerns about the thoroughness of the searches.
Port Denarau Marina’s CEO reported that such search exercises have increased and can sometimes feel invasive. Complaints have arisen over the manner in which the searches are conducted, with some sailors claiming damage to their boats and loss of personal items.
The FRCS requires that foreign vessels notify them prior to arrival and seek official clearance at designated ports before navigating Fiji’s waters. Vessels must fill out a detailed joint C2-C form, which provides information about onboard stores, crew members, and travel intent.
Community involvement is essential for spotting suspicious activities, and the FRCS collaborates with maritime communities and coastal villages to ensure potential illegal actions are reported. Furthermore, when a boat arrives in a Fijian village, it may be required to present a cruising permit issued by the iTaukei Affairs Board, serving as another surveillance measure.
Commodore Tawake advocates for a more proactive law enforcement approach to engage communities and encourage them to report suspicious behaviors.