A FOREIGN-FLAGGED yacht was found carrying an undeclared pistol and 23 rounds of ammunition during a targeted inspection at Vuda Marina, prompting the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) to refer the matter to police.
FRCS maritime officers discovered the weapons following intelligence-led risk assessments, prompting a reminder to visiting yacht operators to declare all firearms and ammunition upon entering Fiji waters.
FRCS chief executive officer Udit Singh said all foreign yacht owners, skippers and crew were legally required to declare firearms and ammunition when entering Fiji waters.
He said undeclared weapons posed a serious threat to border security and public safety and warned that the service would take firm action against those who failed to meet their obligations.
“Undeclared firearms and ammunition pose a serious risk to Fiji’s border security and public safety. FRCS will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action against individuals or vessels that fail to comply with our laws.
“All yacht operators entering Fiji are expected to provide complete and accurate declarations and cooperate fully with Customs and police authorities,” Mr Singh said.
Under Fiji’s Arms and Ammunition Act and Customs regulations, all firearms and ammunition carried aboard vessels entering the country must be declared to Customs officers at designated ports of entry.
These include Savusavu, Levuka, Suva, Denarau Marina, Vuda Marina, Lautoka and Rotuma.
Any firearm and ammunition found aboard must be surrendered to Customs and placed in secure custody with the Fiji Police Force for the duration of the vessel’s stay.
Arrangements for their release before departure must be made directly with police.
Vuda Marina Fiji’s general manager and chief executive officer Adam Wade said Fiji remained an open and welcoming destination for international yachts, but visiting vessels were expected to comply with the country’s laws.
“Declaring firearms is a straightforward legal requirement, and we urge all skippers to work transparently with our border authorities.
“I commend our dedicated border officers and maritime teams for their vigilance and hard work in keeping our waters secure,” Mr Wade said.
FRCS also reminded visiting yachts that they must submit an Advance Notification/Inward Report (C2-C) at least 48 hours before arriving in Fiji.
The declaration must include accurate details of all firearms, ammunition and other controlled items carried aboard.
Failure to declare these items is a serious offence under Fijian law and may result in seizure, investigation and prosecution.
FRCS urged yacht operators to familiarise themselves with the requirements outlined in the joint C2-C Form and follow all Customs and police procedures.
