New plan to tackle drug trafficking in Pacific as Australian cases soar
The drug smuggling trade ravaging some Pacific communities is being fed by Australia's appetites for illegal drugs with seizures more than three times higher than last year.
The Australian government plans to invest $600 million in a new initiative to combat drug trafficking in the Pacific, as cases of drug smuggling in Australia surge. Over 17 tonnes of cocaine and methamphetamine have been seized in Australia this year. The scheme, dubbed the Waqa Moana initiative, will bolster surveillance of the vast Pacific Ocean, aid in intercepting smuggling vessels and narco subs, and improve coordination among police forces.
The funding will also provide training and support for regional police, with a focus on targeting the source of illegal drugs in countries like South and Central America. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the Pacific is Australia's "home and family," underscoring the importance of working with Pacific partners to tackle organised crime.
This investment comes amid growing concerns over the drug trade's impact on social issues, health crises, and police corruption in some Pacific communities.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
