Undeclared cigarettes and controlled gas on a flagged fishing vessel have been seized in a joint operation by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, and Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.
FRCS says 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.
They say the undeclared were seized and detained while the controlled gas was handed over to the Ministry of Environment for further action.
FRCS says cigarettes are subject to excise duty on import to Fiji and if smuggled, Fiji is deprived of revenue earned through duties and taxes.
They say smuggling also deprives the country of revenue that would otherwise be used to fund vital public services such as schools, hospitals and infrastructure.
FRCS says this prompt response reflects the commitment towards enforcing customs laws and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations.
They say 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.
FRCS says 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.
They say 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 says this successful operation underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in maintaining the integrity of our sea borders and safeguarding our nation against potential
threats.
They say the collaboration between FRCS, BAF and MSAF in this joint operation reflects the ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime security in Fiji.
FRCS is urging the members of the public to report any sightings of suspicious activity in relation to offloading from foreign vessels to local vessels at sea or the maritime domain and play a part in disrupting such activities.
A stern warning is reiterated to those intending to commit these crimes as they will face full prosecution under the law.
