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The New Zealand Defence Force hopes its latest maritime patrol with Fiji will deter operators considering fishing illegally in Fiji's waters.
Officers from Fiji's fisheries and customs agencies have been on board the New Zealand navy vessel HMNZS Hawea since June patrolling Fiji's seas for illegal fishing and contraband.
The New Zealand Defence Force said they have inspected about 140 vessels and travelled 11,000 kilometres.
The defence force said they have also recovered 12 kilogrammes of cocaine.
The Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Tim Gall said the patrols have been successful at raising awareness around fisheries and customs regulations as well as promoting cooperation between the New Zealand Defence Force and the Fiji Navy.
He said more patrols are planned before the end of the year using the patrol vessel HMNZS Otago.
