The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service says Fiji remains vulnerable as a transit hub for transnational crime, with around 114 kilograms of illicit drugs intercepted during 2023 and 2024.
In its submission to the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, FRCS revealed there were 18 illicit drug interception cases during the two-year period.
The interceptions included three cannabis cases involving 0.5388kg and 12 methamphetamine seizures totalling 19.749kg locally.
FRCS also revealed that three additional offshore detections in New Zealand and the United States uncovered a further 93.798kg of methamphetamine destined for Fiji.
“Altogether, the combined total reached approximately 114kg, highlighting Fiji’s vulnerability as a transit hub,” the submission stated.
The authority said only one seizure involved sea freight, while the remainder were intercepted through air freight operations.
FRCS said the interceptions highlighted both the growing threat of transnational organised crime and the effectiveness of enhanced border security operations.
“These interceptions demonstrate both the persistent threat of transnational crime and the effectiveness of Fiji’s enhanced border controls,” FRCS stated.
The revenue authority said it had strengthened operations through intelligence-led targeting, advanced screening technology, container scanning and the expanded use of canine units.
FRCS also confirmed closer collaboration with the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Navy, Immigration, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit and international enforcement agencies.
To further strengthen border security, FRCS is now advancing several major initiatives, including a dedicated container examination facility, expanded CCTV surveillance, a yacht management system, enhanced maritime enforcement partnerships and a new coastal maritime strategy.
The authority said Fiji’s response combined technology, intelligence and international cooperation to strengthen border protection and regional security.
