A pistol and 23 rounds of ammunition have been discovered on a foreign-flagged yacht at Vuda Marina after the vessel owner failed to declare the firearm and ammunition upon entering Fiji.
The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service says its Maritime officers intercepted the yacht following intelligence-led risk assessments and discovered the undeclared firearm and ammunition during a targeted inspection.
The matter has since been referred to the Fiji Police Force for further investigation and appropriate action.
FRCS is reminding all foreign yacht owners, skippers and crew of their legal obligation to declare all firearms and ammunition upon entering Fiji waters.
FRCS Chief Executive Officer Udit Singh says compliance with Fiji’s border security requirements is mandatory for all vessels entering the country.
Singh says undeclared firearms and ammunition pose a serious risk to Fiji’s border security and public safety, and FRCS will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against individuals or vessels that fail to comply with the law.
FRCS says that under Fiji’s Arms and Ammunition Act and Customs regulations, all firearms and ammunition carried aboard vessels entering Fiji must be declared to Customs officers at designated ports of entry, including Savusavu, Levuka, Suva, Denarau Marina, Vuda Marina, Lautoka and Rotuma.
It says any firearms and ammunition on board must be surrendered to Customs and held in secure custody by the Fiji Police Force for the duration of the vessel’s stay in Fiji.
It adds that arrangements for their release before departure must be made directly with the Fiji Police Force.
Vuda Marina Fiji's General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Adam Wade says Fiji remains an open and welcoming destination for international yachts, but entry into the country depends on compliance with Fiji’s laws.
Wade says declaring firearms is a straightforward legal requirement and urges all skippers to work transparently with border authorities.
FRCS says all visiting yachts are also required to submit an Advance Notification/Inward Report (C2-C) at least 48 hours before arriving in Fiji.
It says the declaration must accurately disclose all firearms, ammunition and other controlled items carried on board.
FRCS says failure to declare such items is a serious offence under Fijian law and may result in enforcement action, including seizure, investigation and prosecution.
FRCS is encouraging all visiting yacht operators to review the requirements outlined in the joint C2-C Form and comply fully with all Customs and Police procedures.
