Dutch drug trafficking arrest has once again drawn attention to French Polynesia’s growing role in global narcotics routes. Authorities in the island territory made a record drug seizure. The seizure uncovered 900 kilos of cocaine and 180 kilos of methamphetamine aboard a sailboat. The vessel, carrying two foreign nationals, including a Dutchman and a German, was reportedly transporting the drugs from Mexico to Australia.
Local outlet Polynésie 1 reports that this Dutch drug trafficking arrest and seizure started late Monday near Nuku Hiva. It continued until 8 a.m. Tuesday, indicating the massive volume of contraband onboard. The sailboat was subsequently brought to the port of Nuku Hiva, one of French Polynesia’s 118 islands located strategically between Latin America and Australia.
French Polynesia is becoming a suspected key drug transit route in the Pacific. There have been several notable drug interceptions there in recent year, which results in increased surveillance of maritime paths. Officials have identified a route stretching from Latin America through Pacific islands like French Polynesia en route to Australia, where narcotics demand remains high.
Before this Dutch drug trafficking arrest, the most recent similar circumstance took place in 2017. The authorities had discovered 400–600 kg of cocaine on a catamaran arriving in Nuku Hiva. This led to the arrest of two Dutch nationals and a Pole. The crew claimed not to be aware of the illegal cargo which was thought to be headed for Australia from Costa Rica.
French Polynesia continues to be a vital front in the war against international drug trafficking as long as international authorities continue to monitor the region and work together.
Click here to read another interesting story of a record drug bust seizure en-route to Australia.
