Another significant cocaine seizure in the Pacific has underscored the growing threat of transnational drug trafficking across the region, after French authorities intercepted 4.24 tonnes of cocaine in French Polynesia this week.
The interception took place on Monday, February 2, when a French Navy vessel, supported by a Falcon 50 aircraft, stopped a suspicious ship on the high seas.
An onboard inspection uncovered 174 bales of cocaine, weighing a total of 4.24 tonnes.
The vessel had been identified by French Customs in Polynesia as part of a joint investigation involving New Zealand Customs Service, the New Zealand Defence Force and the Government Communications Security Bureau, which provided maritime intelligence support.
New Zealand Customs Deputy Chief Executive Operations Jamie Bamford welcomed the seizure, describing it as a major blow against organised crime networks operating across the Pacific.
“New Zealand Customs already works very closely with our partners to respond to cross-border crime in the Pacific. We welcome this significant seizure as another major blow against transnational, serious and organised crime,” Mr Bamford said.
He said the operation formed part of Operation Kiwa, which brings together New Zealand Customs, the NZDF and GCSB to enhance intelligence operations and deploy naval and air force capabilities to patrol Pacific waters.
Mr Bamford said regional cooperation was essential to disrupting large-scale drug smuggling.
“We know we cannot do this in isolation, so we work closely with international partners across the Pacific and the Americas, including with US and French authorities in French Polynesia,” he said.
He said collaboration with French authorities and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration had helped prevent the drugs from reaching Pacific communities.
“Our message to criminals attempting to exploit maritime routes or international supply chains for drug smuggling is unequivocal: New Zealand’s strengthened regional response has increased the risk of detection and this is just the beginning,” Mr Bamford said.
“We will operate as an international network to track and stop you from causing more harm to our people and their livelihoods. You are not welcome here.”
The seizure comes amid heightened concern across the Pacific following a series of large drug busts in recent years, highlighting the region’s increasing exposure to international narcotics trafficking routes.
