Concerns grow over possible smuggling of illegal weapons

Concerns grow over possible smuggling of illegal weapons

By Mansi Chand
Wednesday 19/03/2025
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu. [Photo taken by Manoa Dawaibalavu]

Concerns have been raised about the possibility of more vessels carrying illegal arms and ammunition, especially with the lack of efficient maritime surveillance in Fiji.

Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu says they are working with relevant authorities following the seizure of a gun and 600 rounds of ammunition on a vessel in Viti Levu waters yesterday.

Many say when there are high amounts of drugs going through, the same can be said about arms and ammunition.

When questioned by fijivillage News about reports suggesting that more vessels might be smuggling weapons, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says no further reports have been received.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad earlier stressed that Fiji needs the support of the development partners for areas like maritime surveillance as we need a well thought out, closely knit and deeply integrated partnership.

Professor Prasad also raised concerns about corruption within key agencies, saying that millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine in the country indicates border security issue.

He also highlighted that they need to strengthen other agencies such as the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service to increase surveillance at the international borders, airports and ports.

Professor Prasad says this is to enhance our ability as a country to counter the supply of drugs and other illegal items.

FEATURE NEWS
Kishore Kumar avoids jail time as 12-month sentence is suspended for 3 years in Agni Deo Singh case
57-year-old former school teacher, Kishore Kumar will not be spending time behind bars as his 12 months sentence has been suspended for three years in...
29 days ago
LATEST NEWS
Tanoa Hotel Group and NZ students plant 600 mangroves at Taiperia, Lautoka
To combat the ongoing effects of climate change and the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Tanoa Hotel Group and 16 ...
26 days ago

Ovalau family to celebrate Easter reminiscing the hard work and dedication of their late son
The Boleilovoni family will have a celebration this Easter at their home in Lovoni Village, Ovalau, celebrating their late son Joseph Rymell ...
26 days ago

Expect a rainy Easter weekend as a flash flood alert and heavy rain warning in force for Fiji
People need to be prepared for a wet Easter weekend as a flash flood alert is still in force for all low-lying and flash flood-prone areas of Viti ...
26 days ago

Flash flood alert for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu
Please be prepared as a flash flood alert is now in force for all low lying and flash flood prone areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. A heavy rain ...
27 days ago

U.S Ambassador calls out China on trying to undermine its bilateral relationship with Fiji
It's puzzling that any country purporting to be a friend to Fiji would try to publicly undermine Fiji’s bilateral relationship with one of its ...
27 days ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Top Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kapadia on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on health services in the country. The former Marist Brothers Primary and High School student who has been practising medicine ...
37 days ago

Supervisor of Elections on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The interview focus on preparations for the 2026 general elections, voter related issues, electoral laws, the 2022 glitch and the municipal council ...
37 days ago

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
41 days ago

TOP