FRCS launches Air Cargo Control Unit to prevent illicit drug trafficking and smuggling of illegal commodities

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service has today officially launched the Air Cargo Control Unit in Nadi.

This unit is tasked to profile air cargo consignments to prevent the exploitation of the air cargo for illicit drug trafficking and the smuggling of other illegal and prohibited commodities such as chemical precursors, arms and ammunition, endangered species, and items infringing intellectual property rights whilst ensuring the free flow of legitimate air cargo.

FRCS used this launching to also commemorate International Customs Day.

Chief Executive Officer Mark Dixon says FRCS is implementing several new initiatives, which will deliver technological reform, greater efficiency, more security and transparency and higher standards of performance.

He says amongst other initiatives, they will also be reviewing the Customs IT environment including the ASYCUDA World.

FRCS has been automating manual processes in both Customs and Tax.

He says this journey of digital transformation will continue in their endeavor to bring about efficiency and accessibility to all their services.

Meanwhile, 11 officers, 2 teams and 2 border partner agencies were honoured with the esteemed Certificate of Merit on behalf of the World Customs Organisation to recognise their achievements and commitment to the 2022 ICD theme.