Methamphetamine has emerged as one of the most pressing security threats facing the Pacific.
Speaking at the Pacific Regional and National Security Conference, Fiji’s Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said the Pacific is increasingly being targeted by transnational organised crime groups involved in the trafficking of illicit drugs.
“The fight is real, the fight is on our shores, and the fight is within,” Mr Tudravu said.
“Transnational organised crime groups see our region as vulnerable.
“They are no longer bypassing our islands, they are targeting them.”
Adding to the discussion, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Papua New Guinea (PNG) Constabulary, Philip Mitna Yamasombi said PNG has become a key transit point for drugs because of its proximity to Australia.
“We are strategically located, just 30 minutes from the Australian coastline,” Mr Yamasombi said.
He said authorities in PNG recently intercepted a shipment containing 60 kilograms of cocaine on July 1 and estimated that up to three tonnes of illicit drugs are currently stockpiled in the country, awaiting shipment to Australia and New Zealand.
