Pacific Police declare united war on drug cartels

Pacific police chiefs have declared a united crackdown on drug cartels operating across the region, warning that transnational criminal networks are exploiting Pacific waters and leaving island communities increasingly vulnerable to drug harm.

Speaking during the inaugural Pacific Transnational Crime Summit at the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay on Wednesday, Fiji Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said Pacific nations could no longer confront the growing threat alone.

“Today, we stand united as Pacific police chiefs fighting back, saying enough is enough,” Mr Tudravu said.

He said Pacific countries were suffering the consequences of a global drug trade they did not create, comparing the crisis to climate change.

“We are not the highest consumers of illicit drugs, yet we are among the most vulnerable to its impact because we are caught along trafficking routes,” Mr Tudravu said.

He warned that the Pacific had become a major transit route for international drug syndicates, with criminal groups profiting overseas while Pacific communities bore the social and economic damage.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said Australia was already experiencing the devastating impacts of illicit drug use and warned Pacific nations were increasingly facing the same threat.