The Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) state recent drug operations show that criminal drug trafficking has grown much larger and more organised in the Pacific.
The OCO adds there have been discoveries of new concealment methods showing drugs hidden inside industrial machinery, carpets, vehicle imports and food products.
“Criminal organisations specifically target our region because they understand our enforcement limitations across vast maritime territories,” said Udit Singh, OCO Chairperson and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service Chief Executive Officer.
“Traditional enforcement methods cannot effectively monitor millions of square kilometres of ocean.”
OCO adds methamphetamine sells for NZ$135,000 (approximately US$81,000) per kilogram in New Zealand markets compared to NZ$12,470 (US$7,500) in the United States—an 18-fold price increase incentivising trafficking networks to exploit Pacific routes.
“We’re witnessing unprecedented coordination between drug cartels, organised criminal groups and regional networks designed to exploit our geographic vulnerabilities,” said Nancy Oraka, OCO Head of Secretariat.
OCO states drug syndicates are infiltrating legitimate supply chains, with criminals recruiting airport staff, logistics personnel and enforcement officers to facilitate trafficking.
“Our response must be as sophisticated as the criminal networks exploiting geographic vulnerabilities — we must outpace, outsmart, and outmatch them at every turn.”
“This represents more than law enforcement—it’s protecting our communities, economies, and future,” Ms Oraka said.
“On International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we recommit to cross-border cooperation ensuring the Pacific remains secure for legitimate trade and sustainable development.”
