Foreign yacht owners and crew entering Fiji have been warned to comply with firearm declaration requirements after Customs officers discovered undeclared weapons aboard a foreign-flagged vessel at Vuda Marina.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) says the discovery involved one pistol and 23 rounds of ammunition found during a targeted inspection conducted by its Maritime officers following intelligence-led risk assessments.

The matter has since been referred to the Fiji Police Force for further investigation and appropriate action.

FRCS Chief Executive Officer Udit Singh stressed that declaring firearms and ammunition is a legal requirement for all vessels entering Fiji, warning that failure to comply could threaten border security and public safety.

Mr Singh said yacht operators must provide accurate declarations and cooperate with Customs and Police authorities.

Under Fiji’s Arms and Ammunition Act and Customs regulations, all firearms and ammunition carried aboard visiting vessels must be declared at designated ports of entry, including Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu, Levuka, Denarau Marina, Vuda Marina and Rotuma.

Any weapons brought into the country must be surrendered to Customs and placed in secure custody with the Fiji Police Force for the duration of the vessel’s stay. Yacht operators must arrange directly with Police for their release before departure.

Vuda Marina Fiji General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Adam Wade said Fiji remained a welcoming destination for international yacht visitors, but all vessels must respect and comply with the country’s laws.

Mr Wade also acknowledged the work of border officers and maritime teams in maintaining security across Fiji’s waters.

FRCS is reminding visiting yacht operators that an Advance Notification/Inward Report (C2-C) must be submitted at least 48 hours before arriving in Fiji. The document must include accurate details of all firearms, ammunition and other controlled items carried aboard.

Failure to declare these items may result in seizure, further investigation and prosecution under Fijian law.

Mariners have been encouraged to familiarise themselves with the requirements outlined in the joint C2-C Form and contact their nearest FRCS Maritime office for clarification on vessel clearance and firearm surrender procedures.