Massive cocaine seizures within French territories have reignited calls for tighter border security across the Pacific, with Fiji set to formalise a new security partnership with France to tackle transnational crimes.
Policing Minister Ioane Naivalurua told Parliament this week the Pacific’s porous maritime borders were increasingly being exploited by international criminal syndicates as a transit hub for drugs, human smuggling and illegal fishing.
“Criminal syndicates exploit our vast maritime domain, porous borders and limited law enforcement resources to move illicit commodities across the region and beyond,” Mr Naivalurua said.
“Fiji is not alone in these efforts.
“Our regional partners face similar challenges, and it is through cooperation and collaboration that we will develop comprehensive responses to transnational crime.”
He said France’s experience in dealing with large-scale drug trafficking made the country a vital partner.
Last year, French authorities seized a record 40 tonnes of cocaine, while in July this year, 2.5 tonnes of cocaine were intercepted on a Panama-flagged vessel in New Caledonia that was destined for Australia.
“This reality is further perpetuated with French foreign territories closer to home with us being caught up in the illicit drug trade.
“Our French partners understand that it takes collaboration to grow and develop effective mechanisms and practical avenues that will assist in our fight against drug trafficking and transnational crime, not just in Fiji, but throughout the Pacific.”
Mr Naivalurua said the assistance would include enhanced operational and technical cooperation.
“The collaboration will involve sharing expertise and resources to improve Fiji’s ability to combat drug-related issues, especially specialised training offered to the Fiji police and our Counter Narcotics Bureau Unit.
“In the coming months, my ministry will hasten the process of securing and processing these particular relations to secure formal cooperation with France.”