Fiji, Oct. 12 -- Transnational criminal networks are increasingly exploiting tuna fishing operations and seafood supply chains to smuggle cocaine across the Pacific, raising concerns about the impact of the illicit drug trade on island communities.
The latest Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Trade and Industry News report highlights how legitimate tuna shipments, fishing vessels and offshore refuelling operations are being used to move drugs from South America towards international markets, including Australia and New Zealand.
The report comes as global cocaine production reaches record levels. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, production rose to about 4,100 tonnes of pure cocaine in 2024, around four ...