RFMF trained to tackle arms trafficking - Talemaibau

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces through its navy have trained its personnel to carry out boarding of suspicious ships to search for any trafficking of firearms, parts, components and ammunition.

This was highlighted by the Land Force Command Chief of Staff Jofiliti Talemaibau at the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence.

Talemaibau says the RFMF also has Explosive Ordinance experts at the Nadi International Airport checking and monitoring for any suspicious firearms and ammunition smuggled into the country through its international airport.

He says an officer within the RFMF has just returned from a five year training in China as a specialist in identification of weapons and its accessories.

Talemaibau says the RFMF has also started to provide training to FIRCA recruits on leadership skills and identification of weapons.

He says the Fiji Navy will act accordingly on any breaches within its Economic Exclusive Zone and on return to shore will direct the respective breaches encountering to the line agency concerned.