A joint search operation on a foreign-flagged vessel in Savusavu resulted in the seizure of undeclared alcohol with a duty and penalty exceeding $6,500. 

This operation was carried out by a team from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and the Republic of Fiji Navy, 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.

The vessel was found with 234 bottles of 200ml rum, three bottles of 750ml rum and one bottle of 1-liter liquor and the vessel’s master was charged under the Customs Act 1986. 

The operation followed a two-week Seaport Border Management Vessel Search Training, supported by Japan and the UNDP, which included training for 35 maritime border security participants and community awareness activities. 

Future plans include the Maritime Border Cooperation Framework, which will enhance maritime security coordination and resource management, with the Maritime Essential Services Centre set to be handed over to RFN in early 2025.