Fiji, June 22 -- A joint law enforcement operation has intercepted and detained a Belize-flagged cargo vessel suspected of links to transnational organised crime, prompting a widening regional investigation into alleged illicit tobacco smuggling, drug trafficking, and other maritime criminal activities across the Pacific.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), working alongside Solomon Islands Customs and Immigration, confirmed the successful interception of MV WEALTH in Renbel Province following a months-long intelligence-led operation involving regional and international law enforcement agencies.

Authorities say the vessel became the focus of coordinated surveillance after intelligence was received from the Australian Border ...