A pistol and 23 rounds of ammunition have been discovered aboard a foreign-flagged yacht at Vuda Marina following an intelligence-led operation by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).
The discovery has prompted FRCS to issue a warning to foreign yacht owners, skippers and crew members about their legal obligation to declare all firearms and ammunition when entering Fiji waters.
FRCS said its maritime officers intercepted the vessel following intelligence-led risk assessments and conducted a targeted inspection.
During the search, officers discovered a pistol and 23 rounds of ammunition that had not been declared by the vessel’s owner.
The matter has since been referred to the Fiji Police Force for further investigation and appropriate action.
FRCS chief executive officer Udit Singh warned that failure to comply with Fiji’s border security laws would not be tolerated.
“Undeclared firearms and ammunition pose a serious risk to Fiji’s border security and public safety,” Mr Singh said.
“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.”
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.
These include Savusavu, Levuka, Suva, Denarau Marina, Vuda Marina, Lautoka and Rotuma.
FRCS said declared firearms and ammunition must be surrendered to Customs and placed in secure police custody for the duration of a vessel’s stay in Fiji.
Arrangements for their release before departure must be made directly with the Fiji Police Force.
Vuda Marina general manager and chief executive officer Adam Wade said Fiji remained a welcoming destination for international yachts, but visiting vessels were required to comply with local laws.
“Declaring firearms is a straightforward legal requirement, and we urge all skippers to work transparently with our border authorities,” Mr Wade said.
“I commend our dedicated border officers and maritime teams for their vigilance and hard work in keeping our waters secure.”
FRCS reminded visiting yachts that an Advance Notification/Inward Report (C2-C) must be submitted at least 48 hours before arrival.
The declaration must include all firearms, ammunition and other controlled items carried aboard the vessel.
Failure to declare these items could result in seizure, investigation and prosecution.
FRCS has urged yacht operators to familiarise themselves with the reporting requirements and comply fully with Customs and Police procedures.
