Organised crime is a threat in the region, says, the Minister for Defence, National Security and Immigration, Timoci Natuva.

He said this while opening the South Pacific Commanders Conference yesterday at the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa on Yanuca Island.

He said the Pacific region remained susceptible to lucrative and multifaceted crimes.

“I commend the choice of key agenda items which are relevant and reflect global security challenges confronting us today as a region,” Mr Natuva said.

“Fiji’s participation in this high level meet is based on the common interest to deepen security co-operation between Fiji and countries represented here,” he told the three Police Commissioners (Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu) and regional Police representatives from 10 countries attending the conference.”

He said the Fijian Government had demonstrated significant efforts in establishing national frameworks.

“Over the years, non-State actors have exploited the legal gaps, the systems, etc, and these challenges are considered catalysts to the committal of these crimes.”

He said crimes like Illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, money laundering, cyber activities, identity theft, illegal fishing and terrorism were committed in the region because of the nature of country borders and the limited resources they had.

He said the confiscation of over 1.3 tonnes of cocaine across the Pacific since 2010, would have a drastic effect on the region.

“There is a need for regional collaboration and increased co-operation among law enforcement agencies in our region.

“This regional initiative is necessary to discuss emerging key regional security issues as a result of increased level of activity by organised crime syndicates.

“Past investigations have indicated the existence of drug stockpiles in the South Pacific as criminal groups target countries in the South Pacific for storage and trans-shipment purposes.”

Mr Natuva said Fiji recognised the importance of building strategic partnerships and connections for a safer world.

“Fiji fully recognises and realises the importance of engaging aggressively in the fight against organised crime. Entering into formal agreements with other law enforcement agencies is the way forward for international co-operation,” he said.

He assured the 40 participants that the Fijian Government would continue strengthen its obligations.

Countries attending are Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Tonga, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Samoa and Fiji.

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