The ports are not only bustling centres for commerce but vulnerable targets for criminal activities - AG

The ports are not only bustling centres for commerce but vulnerable targets for criminal activities such as smuggling, trafficking and terrorism.

These were the words of Attorney General Siromi Turaga while officiating at the seaport border control training at the FRCS Custom Services Training Centre in Nasese.

Turaga says the consequences of a security breach at a seaport can be far-reaching and devastating which not only impacts our economy but also our national security.

He further says drugs, arms, prostitution and people smuggling come in the same package.

Turaga says the government is concerned and the issues with drugs are probably the most serious.

The attorney general says seaport border control training provides opportunities for professional development, skill enhancement and knowledge acquisition.

Turaga says the Fiji Navy is also looking forward to relocating the maritime office to Lami where there will also be staff by Australia and New Zealand and other partners which will give them the urge to oversee our maritime as during the COVID-19 pandemic the fibre boast that was travelling regularly from Kadavu to Suva was carrying marijuana which was not able to be detected.

He says he will also have a meeting with the minister for home affairs and the Fiji police force in trying to set up a task force to combat the trade of illicit drugs in Fiji.