Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Drug Trafficking In The Pacific Discussed At Dubai Police Summit
Christina Persico, RNZ Pacific Bulletin Editor
Pacific police chiefs have discussed the region's drug trafficking problems on a panel at the World Police Summit in Dubai.
The summit, from 13-15 May, included expert panel discussions, workshops, and a technology exhibition.
Fiji Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Commissioner Mostyn Mangau, and New Zealand Police Assistant Commissioner Bruce O'Brien participated in a fireside chat with the theme: 'The future of the fight: what needs to be done to combat drug trafficking in the Pacific?'
The Pacific Island Chiefs of Police (PICP) said the panellists acknowledged that the region's exposure to drug trafficking is increasing, and discussed how current and future strategies such as the Pacific Transnational Crime Network, and the Pacific Policing Initiative are being leveraged to reduce the Pacific's vulnerabilities.
Speaking to Emirates News Agency, PICP Secretariat executive director Julian Bianco said new drug smuggling patterns represent a direct challenge to security agencies.
He affirmed that stronger regional cooperation and intelligence sharing are vital, particularly with increased maritime drug transit towards Australia and New Zealand.
In a pre-Budget announcement on Saturday, New Zealand's Customs Minister Casey Costello said the country [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/560558/government-puts-35m-towards-keeping-drugs-out-of-the-country was increasingly being targeted by organised crime groups.
"Transnational and serious organised crime threats are growing worldwide. These groups are increasingly targeting the Pacific and New Zealand, which has some of the world's highest prices for illicit drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine."
According to the World Police Summit background information, 80 percent of global cocaine seizures are linked to maritime trafficking.
Drug trafficking is not a new problem in the Pacific.
A 2024 UNODC report said the transnational organized crime threat environment in the Pacific is evolving faster than in any previous point in history.
"Transnational organized crime groups are targeting the region as an increasingly important transit route for the trafficking of methamphetamine and cocaine to and from neighbouring regions," it said.
"The increase in traffic has also led to a spillover in domestic markets in the Pacific, and authorities in some countries have observed a rise in the availability and use of drugs, particularly methamphetamine.
"Local agencies have observed that non-medical drug use is causing serious harm to some users, with increases in domestic violence risks, sexual violence, child neglect, mental and physical health issues, and poor educational and employment outcomes in some Pacific countries."
Fiji's Narcotics Bureau warned last month the country's battle against drugs could get harder if fentanyl becomes widespread.
FBC reported Jemesa Lave from the Bureau saying this drug is more dangerous than methamphetamine and cocaine.
Earlier this month, New Zealand's top cop has reassured the leaders of Fiji and Samoa that he has their back, as a regionwide drug crisis rolls on.
In January, Samoan authorities intercepted 10 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (worth almost NZ$2.5 million in street value), which has been described by the Samoa Observer as "the largest known drug smuggling operation" on the island.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
MSF Australia: Siege Of Gaza – MSF Denounces Deliberate Humanitarian Catastrophe
APEC News: APEC Education Ministers Issue Joint Statement
Global Climate and Health Alliance: World Health Assembly - Health Professionals Demand Urgent Action On Climate Commitments
Workers First Union: End To The American War On Vietnam Remembered 50 Years On
Commonwealth Foundation: Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025 Regional Winners Announced
New Zealand Defence Force: NZDF Joins Large South Pacific Disaster Exercise As New Response Group Starts Work