A recent operation on a foreign-flagged sailing vessel in Savusavu resulted in the discovery and confiscation of undeclared alcohol, totaling over FJ $6,500 in duty and penalties. The operation was a cooperative effort involving the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and the Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN).
The search involved a joint boarding team comprising members from various agencies, including the FRCS, RFN, Fiji Dog Detector Unit, Fiji Police Force, Fiji Immigration Department, Ministry of Fisheries, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, and Ministry of Health and Medical Services. During the search, they seized 234 bottles of 200ml rum, three bottles of 750ml rum, and one bottle of 1 liter of liquor.
The confiscated items were handed over to FRCS officials for detention, and the vessel’s captain was arrested and charged under Section 137 (a) of the Customs Act 1986 for the offense.
FRCS chief executive Udit Singh praised the officers for their successful operation and their commitment to safeguarding the borders against illegal activities. “Alcohol importation incurs excise duty, and smuggling undermines revenue that supports vital public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure,” Singh stated. He also reminded operators of foreign vessels to familiarize themselves with Fiji’s entry requirements, emphasizing that the FRCS maintains a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activities at Fijian borders.