The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Fiji Police Force are set to co-host an Organised Crime Summit in May 2024, aimed at disrupting the activities of criminals who threaten health, financial stability, social cohesion, and sovereignty in the Pacific region. This summit will address the growing issue of illicit commodities being trafficked to and through the Pacific islands.
During a press conference, AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett emphasized the focus on the trafficking of illegal drugs, notably methamphetamine and cocaine, orchestrated by serious organized crime groups. She pointed out that while a majority of these drugs are trafficked to Australia, there is a worrying trend of organized crime sending illicit goods directly to Pacific nations in search of new markets.
“The demand in Australia for these dangerous substances places immense pressure on our Pacific neighbors,” Barrett stated. She underscored the serious implications these drugs have on communities, highlighting the distressing health effects, as well as the toll on youth, mental well-being, family dynamics, cultural integrity, financial systems, and national sovereignty.
Fiji Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu echoed Barrett’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the AFP’s collaborative efforts in addressing transnational crime. He stressed the importance of working together rather than in isolation, as the current challenges faced by the Pacific region’s policing capabilities could worsen without a unified approach. Tudravu remarked, “We cannot afford to let this be just another summit; we must ensure tangible outcomes that will guide our future efforts.”
The summit will bring together law enforcement officials from across the Pacific, representatives from the Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group, and international organizations such as INTERPOL and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This collective effort aims to share information and resources to combat organized crime effectively.
In the preparation for the summit, Commissioner Barrett also extended her good wishes to the new police recruits at the Fiji Police Academy, who are set to graduate next Friday, highlighting the ongoing commitment to strengthening law enforcement in the region. This focus on collaboration and proactive measures signals a hopeful step towards a more secure and stable Pacific.
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