By Talaia Mika, Cook Islands
Cook Islands Police have been facing staffing shortages due to budget cuts and uncompetitive remuneration, prompting a restructuring effort to improve recruitment and retention. Photo: Cook Islands News
A 19-year-old Australian tourist who tried to smuggle vapes, a banned product, into the country has been apprehended by police and charged with making a false declaration.
He went missing after being released by the Cook Islands Customs late last month. He is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow.
Cook Islands Police have made several attempts to locate him since he was caught at the border attempting to smuggle 41 vapes into the country on 29 July.
According to the police media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt, the suspect was contacted by the police through his accommodation where police initially couldn't find him, and had since Monday surrendered voluntarily.
"The person at the centre of importing over 40 vapes on 29 July has been processed to appear in court. Police interviewed a 19-year-old male late yesterday (Monday), arresting and charging the visitor from Australia with making a false declaration," Pitt stated on Tuesday.
"The false declaration is the arresting charge. He was processed yesterday after 4pm. The charges may be amended but I don't have that confirmation as yet."
This is the first of such case which Police have been involved with, through to prosecution, meaning the first arrest relating to vape smuggling crimes since the Act was implemented this time last year.
The young tourist intended to return back to Australia today but stayed behind due to his court case tomorrow. He travelled in the country with loved ones possibly for his 19th birthday as he turned 19 last week Friday, according to police.
"The person was located as a result of his known accommodation from what I understand," Pitt added.
The visitor was intercepted during a baggage search at Rarotonga International Airport where 41 undeclared vape devices were discovered. Some were found on the passenger.
The young man was not detained at the time. Customs officers reportedly referred the matter to Ministry of Health officials.
Last week, Police said the "ball was dropped" at the border because they were not alerted promptly by Customs, when the search was underway with failed attempts to locate him.
Pitt then said they were not told soon enough about the Australian national who was still missing at the time and was possible to have already left the accommodation he gave upon arrival in the Cook Islands.
"The Police and Customs do work cooperatively together and there is an existing framework under an MOU for the Cook Islands National Intelligence Taskforce," Pitt clarified yesterday.
Last year, the Cook Islands banned the sale and importation of imitation tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, with the ban taking effect on August 1, 2024.
While visitors over 21 can bring one device and 30ml of e-liquid for personal use, they cannot dispose of it or give it away in the Cook Islands.
