On December 31, 2018, just before New Year’s celebrations, Faa’a customs officers conducted a dramatic operation to intercept a major pearl theft. Acting on precise intelligence from the Border Police (PAF), authorities intercepted two Chinese employees of a pearl farm attempting to return to their home country via Japan.
A thorough inspection revealed both women were smuggling pearls on their persons. The first had concealed 561 pearls and 27 keishi pearls in her undergarments, while the second hid 346 pearls using the same method. These high-value, exceptional-quality pearls had been stolen directly from their employer’s pearl farm, causing significant financial damage to the business.
The confiscated pearls will undergo expert valuation. French Polynesia’s pearl trade operates under strict regulations ensuring traceability and protecting this vital economic sector. All pearl exports require specific documentation, with customs playing a key oversight role.
The pearl farm owner has filed theft charges, and judicial proceedings are underway with a formal report to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. This high-value pearl theft could lead to severe legal consequences for those involved.
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