Vessels that continue to smuggle highly taxed goods concerns Revenue and Customs Service

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service is concerned with the number of fishing vessels that continue to smuggle highly taxed  goods such as alcohol and cigarettes as well as currencies into the country.

Last year, Revenue and Customs searched 68 fishing vessels berthed at the Suva Harbour. 

The rummage exercise was conducted after Customs Officers had profiled the vessels for a number of reasons and considered that they may be a high border risk or may be a breach of legislative requirements.

Chief Executive Officer, Visvanath Das says through these 68  rummages, a number of irregularities including undeclared  alcohol and cigarettes were discovered.

The teams also found undeclared currencies, environmentally damaging gas which is banned in Fiji and 8 live puppies.

In February, Customs Officers also recovered more than 105,000 litres of excess fuel, which was undeclared. Total duty  collected during this rummage alone was more than $34,000.

Those found guilty of this offence are liable to a fine of $25,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, or both under the Customs Act.