Law & Order • FijiFijian leaders call for tough action on drugs including death penalty and urge army supportThe rising drug crisis across the Pacific nation is prompting calls from chiefs and youth leaders for harsher penalties, including the death penalty, while police look to the military to help tackle traffickers.Christine RovoiTue, 10 Feb
Pacific Region • Cook Islands • FranceFrench release of drug vessel raises Pacific security concernsExperts say the decision not to investigate the MV Raider after 4.87 tonnes of cocaine were seized may complicate efforts to track criminals in the region.Rashneel Kumar, Cook Islands NewsThu, 05 Feb
Law & Order • Fiji • TongaTongan among five latest remanded over Fiji's record cocaine seizure, police confirmFive people, including a Tongan national, have been charged following Fiji’s largest-ever cocaine bust in Vatia waters, joining six others already in custody as police continue their investigation.Christine RovoiTue, 27 Jan
Sports • Aotearoa New Zealand • SāmoaParker denies taking banned substance after adverse drug test on fight day against BritAs an investigation gets underway, the New Zealand-born Sāmoan boxer says he will fight to clear his name.PMN NewsMon, 17 Nov
Law & OrderCalls for urgent regional unity against organised crime in the PacificExperts warn that a fragmented response is failing as the report recommends appointing a dedicated minister, specialist teams, and strengthening collaboration to tackle organised crime.Khalia StrongTue, 21 Oct
Law & Order • FijiFiji court hands down landmark life sentence in major meth caseFollowing the seizure of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine, officials signal a strong stance against organised crime and drug abuse.Christine RovoiFri, 29 Aug
Law & OrderPacific police chiefs meet in NZ to tackle regional issuesLeaders warn sophisticated drug-trafficking networks and returning criminal deportees are testing law enforcement capabilities in the region.Khalia StrongThu, 21 Aug
Law & Order • FijiNine found guilty in Fiji's biggest meth trafficking caseUnderscoring the crisis, the judge says sophisticated drug cartels were using Fiji as a transit point to ship drugs to New Zealand and Australia.Christine RovoiFri, 01 Aug
Law & Order • Aotearoa New ZealandCorruption threat grows for the Pacific and New ZealandTrusted insiders and regional ties make Aotearoa more vulnerable to organised crime, says expert panel chair Steve Symon.Aui'a Vaimaila Leatinu'uFri, 13 Jun
Law & Order • FijiMajor court case begins in Fiji: 4.15 tonnes of meth seized amid rising Pacific drug concernsEight people face serious charges of drug importation and possession linked to operations in late 2023 and early 2024 in Nadi.Christine RovoiThu, 12 Jun
