Pacific Cocaine Corridor: Record Haul in French Polynesia and Fiji Seizures Spark Alarm

Last Friday marked a significant development in the Pacific’s ongoing battle against transnational drug trafficking, as authorities in both French Polynesia and Fiji successfully intercepted large quantities of suspected cocaine in closely timed operations.

In French Polynesia, officials reported the seizure of an astonishing 4.87 tonnes of cocaine, the largest drug haul recorded in the territory’s history. This breakthrough came after a National Navy vessel intercepted a suspicious ship within the region’s maritime zone. A thorough search of the vessel uncovered 96 bales of cocaine, which officials confirmed originated from Central America and was en route through the Pacific towards the southwestern area.

While it was determined that the drugs were not intended for French Polynesia itself, authorities acknowledge the territory’s emerging role as a crucial transit point in an increasingly active international drug trafficking route.

Simultaneously, on the same day, Fijian police executed a significant operation at Vatia Wharf, seizing more than 100 bags of a white substance, also believed to be cocaine. This early-morning raid resulted in the arrest of six individuals, including four South American nationals and two Fijian citizens. The operation involved specialized units from the Fiji Police Force, including the Criminal Investigations Department and the Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department, and was launched following intelligence-led investigations.

While no formal connections have been made between the two cases, the synchronicity of these seizures has sparked heightened awareness of the Pacific Ocean as a vital transit corridor for international drug syndicates transporting cocaine from the Americas to markets in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

These dual operations underscore the changing strategies employed by organized crime networks, which are increasingly utilizing long-range maritime routes, remote landing sites, and international crews to evade authorities. As law enforcement continues to adapt and respond to the evolving tactics of these criminal organizations, the recent successes in intercepting drug shipments represent a hopeful moment in the fight against drug trafficking in the Pacific.