The idyllic South Pacific is currently facing a surge in drug trafficking, with cartels and triads using remote island nations as transit points for narcotics. Countries like Fiji and Tonga are at the center of unpatrolled ocean-trafficking routes, facilitating the movement of cocaine from Latin America and methamphetamine and opioids from Asia.
This influx of drugs is infiltrating local communities, leading to a rise in drug addiction and crime in areas previously untouched by such issues. Tonga, with its vast expanse of unprotected islands, is particularly vulnerable to becoming a hub for drug trafficking.
Methamphetamine has become a major concern in Tonga, with reports of widespread addiction and related crime. The lack of data on drug use and addiction in the Pacific region further exacerbates the problem, with court records illustrating a growing number of drug-related cases.
Recent drug busts in countries like Fiji highlight the extent of the “Pacific drug highway”, with significant quantities of methamphetamine being intercepted. The region is now a target for various criminal organizations, from Latin American cartels to Asian syndicates, contributing to a rise in organized crime activities.
The presence of drugs and criminal elements in the Pacific has led to a range of social issues, including money laundering, prostitution, and illegal gambling. It is clear that the region is facing a growing threat that requires urgent attention and intervention to tackle the escalating drug trade.