Authorities in Fiji have intercepted a sophisticated 'narco submarine' carrying more than two tonnes of cocaine destined for Australia, in a dramatic seizure that underscores the Pacific's growing role as a drug trafficking corridor.
Major Seizure in Tavua Waters
Fijian police boarded the vessel at Vatia Wharf in the rural northwestern town of Tavua on Friday. During the early morning raid, officers seized 130 sacks containing the illicit drugs. The haul's potential street value in Australia is estimated to have exceeded a staggering $2 billion.
Six men were arrested in connection with the operation. Four are South American nationals from Ecuador, while the remaining two are local Fijian men. Over the weekend, Fijian authorities released photographs showing four of the suspects handcuffed together at the roadside.
International Collaboration Thwarts Trafficking Plot
The bust was the result of close collaboration between Fijian forces and overseas law enforcement agencies. Fijian Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed the raid involved officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Serious Organised Crime and Intelligence Department (SOCID), and the Western Division Taskforce.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) acknowledged the seizure, stating they were aware of the incident and believe the cocaine was bound for Australia, with some also intended for New Zealand. 'The AFP, through its international network, will continue to work closely with our Pacific partners to combat criminal activity, including drug trafficking,' an AFP statement read.
The Rise of the 'Narco Submarine'
This incident highlights the increasing sophistication of international drug cartels. According to authorities, Asian, Mexican, and South American cartels have heavily invested in developing these stealthy vessels to use the Pacific as a gateway into Australia.
Built deep in South American jungles at a cost of around $1 million USD each, these submarines are a formidable tool for traffickers.
- Stealth Design: Painted cobalt blue to blend with the ocean, they are powered by twin electric engines to glide undetected.
- Significant Capacity: They can carry up to six tonnes of drugs and a crew of up to three, who may be trapped inside for weeks.
- Evasion Tactics: The vessels are not armed but rely on camouflage to evade detection by resource-stretched authorities.
The first such vessel was spotted in European waters in 2019, revealing the advanced capabilities of trafficking networks in the ongoing global war on drugs. Police in Fiji boarded a similar narco sub in 2023.
Fijian police have stated that investigations are continuing following Friday's significant arrests, which have dealt a major blow to organised crime syndicates exploiting Pacific maritime routes.
