French Polynesia cocaine haul hits $2.4 billion in a month as third shipment intercepted

280 X180 white to post to websites – 2026-02-18T184323.408 copy

ABC News Australia

France has intercepted a third shipment of cocaine in a month near French Polynesia, bringing the total value of drugs it has seized to $2.4 billion in 2026.

The drug haul follows the separate discovery of a suspected “narco sub” in Marshall Islands.

Experts warn that Pacific Islands are increasingly becoming stopping points for drugs bound for Australia and New Zealand.

French authorities have seized a third major cocaine shipment near French Polynesia, bringing the total amount intercepted since the beginning of the year to 11.5 tonnes.

Authorities seized the 2.4-tonne drug shipment on Thursday from a vessel during a joint operation with the United States.

“The inspection carried out on board … led to the discovery of 100 bales of cocaine,” the High Commission of French Polynesia said in a statement.

Get Connected

Subscribe to Our RSS

French Polynesia cocaine haul hits $2.4 billion in a month as third shipment intercepted

Get Connected

Search Cannabis Law Report