Drug peddlers and yachts carrying illegal substances are now using the Wallis and Futuna (island) route as an option to enter the Fiji waters after Australia and New Zealand closed off all possible routes leading to Fiji.
Ministry of Immigration permanent secretary Aliki Salusalu made this known at the Lau Provincial Council meeting in Suva this week where he asked village headmen and traditional leaders to assist them protect the borders in the province.
He said these peddlers, mostly in yachts, travelled from their last visiting destinations which includes Tonga, New Zealand, Australia and Samoa.
“Australia and New Zealand have closed off that route so yachts look for other routes such as Wallis and Futuna to transport drugs,” Mr Salusalu said.
“I also want to inform you all that as immigration officials, we also are authorised to arrest those who enter illegally or (are) involved in suspicious activities at our borders.
“Maybe some villagers have seen the yachts at the shores and are wondering whether the yachts have been cleared or not. Do know that when you see a Fiji flag on a yacht, that means it has been cleared, if there is no Fiji flag, then it has not been cleared.”
Mr Salusalu told the council members to inform their villagers that they could contact the Maritime Coordination Centre in Lami on the phone number 1539 to alert them of any suspicious activities seen on yachts.
