A recent joint operation on a foreign-flagged sailing vessel in Savusavu resulted in the discovery and seizure of undeclared alcohol, with the total duty and penalty exceeding FJ $6,500. This operation was facilitated through collaborative intelligence efforts between the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and the Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN).
The search involved a multi-agency boarding team that included members from FRCS, RFN, the Fiji Dog Detector Unit (FDDU), Fiji Police Force, Fiji Immigration Department, Ministry of Fisheries, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOH). During the operation, officials confiscated 234 bottles of 200ml rum, three bottles of 750ml rum, and one 1-liter bottle of liquor.
The confiscated items were turned over to FRCS officers for safekeeping, and the vessel’s captain was arrested and charged under Section 137 (a) of the Customs Act 1986 for the violation.
FRCS chief executive, Udit Singh, praised the officers for their effective interception and their commitment to safeguarding Fiji’s borders from illegal activities. He emphasized that alcohol is subject to excise duty upon importation into Fiji, and that smuggling undermines the country’s revenue, which is essential for public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Singh also urged operators of foreign vessels to familiarize themselves with and adhere to Fiji’s entry regulations, reiterating that FRCS maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities at the nation’s borders.