Fijian authorities have seized a firearm and ammunition from the Tongan vessel MV Malau, which were intended for a recipient in Fiji lacking the necessary firearms license.
According to Fijian media reports, the seizure included a firearm and more than 500 rounds of ammunition.
The Fiji Times stated that the arms and ammunition were accompanied by proper documentation.
The Fijian Navy ship RFNS Timo intercepted MV Malau and escorted it to Suva Harbour, where the weapons were confiscated.
Malau Shipping announced on March 8 that the ship would depart for repairs in Fiji.
It said the vessel was expected to leave Tonga for Fiji on Saturday 15.
It is standard practice for Tongan vessels to undergo repairs in Suva.
The seizure follows a previous report by Kaniva News last year, which revealed that Fijian police were investigating the discovery of bullets on a Fiji Airways flight that arrived from Tonga.
At the time, the Fiji Times reported that the bullets were found in a passenger’s carry-on baggage, which had been left onboard after disembarkation.
While the Fiji Times did not provide specific details about the flight number or whether the passenger was located, Fijian Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro confirmed the discovery and stated that investigations were ongoing.
