A vessel intercepted by French authorities with 4.8 tonnes of cocaine on board entered Rarotonga waters under a distress call for engine repairs, Cook Islands News has reported.
The vessel, MV Raider, was sheltering on the southern side of Rarotonga due to adverse weather when the newspaper contacted Cook Islands Customs on Tuesday seeking clarification.
The newspaper said it had received reliable information linking the vessel to a recent large-scale drug seizure in French Polynesian waters.
The Cook Islands Ports Authority confirmed the vessel was permitted to enter Rarotonga waters following a distress call but referred further questions to Customs and Police.
French authorities intercepted the fishing vessel — sailing under the Togo flag — in French Polynesian waters on January 16, 2026, seizing 96 bales of cocaine weighing approximately 4.87 tonnes.
The ship had originated from Central America and was reportedly en route to the Western Pacific, including Australia.
The crew, consisting of 10 Honduran nationals and one Ecuadorian, were released along with the vessel after French authorities confirmed the drugs were not destined for French territory.
As a result, France indicated it would not pursue prosecution.
