Post Fiji has enhanced its security and monitoring systems in a bid to combat the trafficking of drugs and other illegal items via the country’s postal network. This proactive approach comes in light of the increasing challenges posed by drug-related crimes across the nation.
According to Post Fiji Chief Executive Officer Isaac Mow, the organization adheres to stringent international security standards established by the Universal Postal Union, which supervises postal operations in 192 countries. These standards are designed to ensure both infrastructure security and the safety of postal employees, guaranteeing that all mail is monitored from entry to its final destination.
Mow emphasized the importance of collaboration with key stakeholders, such as Customs, airline carriers, and the Fiji Police Force, particularly in monitoring international parcels. “Apart from the regulations that we follow in terms of security, there are other security standards that we have to abide by to ensure that mails pass from one transit to another right up to the final destination. This is in partnership with airline carriers and also customs,” he stated.
As part of these security efforts, trained police sniffer dogs are deployed at the Nadi facility to detect narcotics in incoming mail bags. Mow explained, “Those sniffer dogs are used to check mail bags when they are opened at the office of exchange, sniffing out any potential drugs that are coming through.” He also noted that arrangements are in place with customs officials in other countries, who notify Fijian customs if any drugs are detected in parcels destined for Fiji, allowing tracking until the recipient collects the package.
In addition to physical inspections, Post Fiji relies on information-sharing agreements with international postal and customs authorities. This collaboration enables local agencies to monitor suspicious parcels and intercept any illicit items before they reach their intended recipients.
This strengthened security initiative reflects Post Fiji’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its postal operations and ensuring a safer society by minimizing the risk of drug trafficking and other illegal activities.
Leave a comment