1.3 tonnes of cocaine seized across the Pacific since 2010

Minister for Defence, National Security and Immigration, Timoci Natuva says he has learnt that since 2010, operations across the South Pacific has resulted in the seizure of over 1.3 tonnes of cocaine.

He says the cocaine is believed to have been bound for international lucrative markets with transit points through Fiji and other neighboring Pacific Island States.

While speaking at the 2nd South Pacific Commanders conference at the Shangri-La resort, Natuva says the threat of possible spill offs from this drug consignment transiting our borders remain high.

He adds the Pacific region remains susceptible to the commonly lucrative and multifaceted crimes such as illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, money laundering, cyber activities, identity theft, illegal fishing and terrorism given the nature of the borders and the limited resources the region has.

Natuva says the government of Fiji has demonstrated significant efforts to establishing national frameworks that would address effectively the challenges of trans-border crimes.

The Minister says 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.