The Fiji Times
THE Pacific Transnational Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Taskforce has seized more than 4.5 tonnes of cannabis, 86 kilograms of cocaine, 78kg of methamphetamine and 2kg of MDMA produced or shipped through Fiji and Tonga from 2019 until date.
In that period, over 20 high risk vessels of interest were also interdicted by Fiji and Tonga.
The figures – provided by an Australian Federal Police spokesperson – are just some of the feats the TSOC taskforce has achieved.
TSOC, an inter-agency taskforce between Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand, was born out of the need to combat increasing drug-related offences in the region.
“Transnational organised crime groups continue to threaten the safety of communities across the Pacific,” the spokesperson said.
“The AFP and its partners take our responsibility to stop criminals using the Pacific as a maritime drug highway very seriously.
“Over 50 offenders have been arrested and charged in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand with serious drug offences.”
The AFP spokesperson also earlier this year, through joint Operation Nautilus with the Fiji Police Force, resulted in the seizure of over four tonnes of methamphetamine and 13 arrests in Fiji.
The spokesperson said the AFP had assisted the Fiji Police Force through intelligence, investigations, and specialist technical support.
“The Pacific Transnational Crime Network (PTCN) increases Pacific Island law enforcement ability to detect, investigate and disrupt transnational crime in the region, including drug crime.
“The PTCN currently comprises 29 Transnational Crime Units (TCUs) in 21 member nations across Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia.”
The spokesperson also reaffirmed the AFP’s commitment to assisting the region, particularly through the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre (PTCCC) in Samoa.
Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has also recognised the vital support provided by external agencies to fight serious organised crime head on.
“This is a threat that’s recognised, really globally, more seriously for the region. But I think now the region is working a whole lot better, under many different regional organisations, to build capacity to be able to try and contain this with a little bit of effort and coordination,” he said.
He said countries like Fiji and Tonga become the major victims of serious organised crime.
In addition, Mr Tikoduadua said Fiji being used for transshipment of drugs affected countries like Australia and New Zealand which were lucrative markets.
“Of course, any government, any minister, any government of the region, should be concerned about it. You know, strongly concerned about it.”
