A JOINT operation by border enforcement agencies yesterday led to seizure of cocaine and ecstasy tablets with an estimated value of $US10 to $15m (FJD $20.9m-$31.4m) from an unidentified yacht.
This was confirmed in a joint statement from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), Fiji Police, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and Health Department.
The joint operation led to seizure of 13 bars of cocaine weighing 15kg and ecstasy tablets from the yacht.
According to the statement released last night on FRCS’ Facebook page stated that the yacht searched by Customs and other border law enforcement agencies at Denarau Port came from Borabora, French Polynesia.
It is also understood that $US15,000 ($20,400) in undeclared currency, guns and ammunitions were detained from the yacht.
FRCS chief executive officer Visvanath Das said the seizure was a testament to their commitment in protecting Fiji’s border and ensuring the country was safe.
“Let this be a reminder to those planning to use Fiji to carry out such illicit trade,” he said.
“The collaboration between stakeholders continues to strengthen and the seizure is a testament of this.”
The yacht has been seized and forfeited to state.
It has also been confirmed that four crew members are now in police custody.
Police investigations continue.
