FRCS seizes more than 57,000 illicit cigarettes

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has seized over 57,000 undeclared cigarette sticks at the country’s maritime ports in the past financial year.

FRCS says cigarettes are among the most smuggled goods, with seafarers often attempting to bring them in without paying duty. This, they say, causes losses to government revenue needed for national development.

Chief Executive Udit Singh stressed that smuggling is unfair to those who follow the law and promised tighter border control to protect Fiji’s economy.

Travellers and shipping agents are being reminded to declare all goods honestly, with penalties in place for those who fail to comply.