The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Customs Border Maritime Compliance Team intercepted 50 R22 gas cylinders, which is an Ozone depleting substance, from a fishing vessel at the Suva Wharf on Friday.

After receiving advance notification, FRCS’ compliance team noted the vessel was in the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) but avoided Australian border officials and entered Fiji waters.

“This was suspicious and thus the vessel was flagged by our Customs Border Maritime Compliance Team comprising of Customs Officials searched the vessel and was successful in detaining Ozone depleting gas cylinders,” FRCS chief executive officer Visvanath Das said.

“The vessel falsely declared the amount of R22 Gas Cylinders on board and it was concealed in a manner with a clear intention of smuggling the cylinders.

“I commend the efforts of Customs Border maritime compliance team in detecting the smuggling of the ozone depleting gas.”

Mr Das assured FRCS was committed in supporting the well-being of the environment and working in partnership with relevant stakeholders in combating illegal imports of ozone depleting substances.

The cylinders have been handed over to the Department of Environment.

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