Undeclared cigarettes and controlled gas on a flagged fishing vessel were seized in a joint operation by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.
In a joint statement, FRCS said following the identification of the fishing vessel for search, the team inspected the cargo and discovered 98 gross cigarettes and 4 pieces of controlled gas (R597A) that had not been declared.
The undeclared cigarettes were seized and detained while the controlled gas was handed over to the Ministry of Environment for further action.
FRCS said cigarettes are subject to excise duty on import to Fiji and if smuggled, the country is deprived of revenue earned through duties and taxes.
“Smuggling also deprives the country of revenue that would otherwise be used to fund vital public services such as schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.”
“This prompt response reflects the commitment to enforcing customs laws and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations.
“FRCS is determined to spare no effort in combating the smuggling of illegal goods into Fiji and is clamping down on all suspicious and unauthorised movement of vessels, crews, and cargo at maritime and coastal waters.”
“The recent joint operation is a significant demonstration of the effectiveness of the Seaport Border Control Vessel Search training that was held two weeks ago.
“The training was supported by the United Nations Development Programme under its Integrated Border Management Project and funded by the Government of Japan.
FRCS further said this successful operation underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in maintaining the integrity of our sea borders and safeguarding our nation against potential threats and the collaboration between FRCS, BAF, and MSAF in this joint operation reflects the ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime security in Fiji.
