The Pacific Ocean might seem like an endless and untouched expanse of water, but beneath its shimmering waves lies a growing problem—an expansive drug trade route dubbed the Pacific Drug Highway. Connecting Latin America to Oceania, this trafficking route is reshaping the global narcotics trade and leaving a devastating impact on the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, and Australia.

This blog explores the rise of this troubling drug route, its impact on local communities, and the challenges of combating such a pervasive problem.

What is the Pacific Drug Highway?

The Pacific Drug Highway refers to the trafficking route spanning thousands of nautical miles, used by Latin American cartels to transport narcotics across the Pacific Ocean. Once dismissed as an insurmountable obstacle due to its sheer size, the Pacific has now become a preferred pathway for these drug operations.

Cartels, including the infamous Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), use this route to move drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine to Oceania. Recent interceptions have exposed their methods—floating cocaine-filled pontoons abandoned for pickup, fishing vessels, and even homemade submarines. The Pacific Drug Highway isn’t just about transporting drugs; it’s about leveraging the ocean’s vastness and the vulnerability of smaller Pacific Island nations.

Why is Oceania Targeted?

Oceania, particularly Australia and New Zealand, has become an attractive market for Latin American cartels. Here’s why:

• High Drug Prices: Australians pay some of the highest prices in the world for cocaine. For example, a gram of cocaine costs up to three times more in Australia than in the United States, making it an incredibly lucrative market.
• Limited Policing Resources: Island nations and Pacific nations often struggle with enforcement due to limited resources and funding. For instance, New Zealand inspects just 2% of shipping containers, and some Pacific Islands inspect almost none. These gaps make smuggling far easier.
• Shifting Drug Demand: While methamphetamine, often called “P” in New Zealand, was previously dominant, cocaine and synthetic opioids like fentanyl are gaining traction in the region.

The Ripple Effects of Latin American Cartel Operations

The Pacific Drug Highway has had far-reaching consequences, especially for smaller Pacific nations like Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, which were once untouched by organised crime.

Drug Addiction and Crime

Island nations are now grappling with surging addiction rates and organised crime. For instance:

• Fiji has experienced a rise in methamphetamine production and abuse. Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua even described Fiji’s worsening addiction crisis as creating a risk of becoming a “nation of zombies”.
• Methamphetamine has flooded American Samoa, causing a rise in addiction levels and overwhelming local authorities.

A Corruption Crisis

Drug cartels have infiltrated government systems, customs agencies, and law enforcement. Corruption enables the smooth passage of drug shipments and hampers anti-drug operations. Even New Zealand, with its strong governance systems, has reported cases of bribery related to deportees affiliated with criminal networks.

A New Player in the Game: The “501s”

A significant factor in reshaping the drug trade in Oceania is the arrival of the “501s.” This group refers to individuals deported from Australia under Section 501 of the Migration Act, which cancels visas for those convicted of crimes. Many of these individuals, formerly bikers associated with gangs like the Comancheros, returned to New Zealand or Pacific Islands and established stronger links with global cartels.

Their connections to the cartels introduced advanced smuggling methods and larger drug shipments, altering the criminal landscape in New Zealand and beyond. These deportees have also linked up with local island criminal groups to further expand the Pacific Drug Highway.

How Cartels Are Smuggling Drugs Across the Pacific

The transportation methods used along the Pacific Drug Highway demonstrate the originality and determination of Latin American cartels:

• Floating Drug Stashes: Cocaine is stashed in waterproof bundles attached to buoys or nets, left to be retrieved by pre-arranged vessels.
• Yachts and Fishing Boats: Smaller, inconspicuous vessels are commonly used to evade detection.
• Homemade Submarines: Certain cartels have even employed submersibles, demonstrating the lengths they’ll go to avoid law enforcement.

The Pacific’s sheer size, coupled with the limited inspection capabilities of Pacific Island nations, creates a perfect recipe for smuggling operations.

The Rising Threat of Synthetic Drugs

It’s not just cocaine and methamphetamine flowing through the Pacific; synthetic drugs are becoming increasingly prominent. Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, has made its way into the region, exacerbating addiction crises. Its presence marks a new chapter in the Pacific Drug Highway—a shift from traditional drugs to synthetics that can cause far more devastating health impacts.

Envisioning a Solution

Tackling the Pacific Drug Highway requires a multi-faceted approach extending beyond traditional law enforcement. Here’s what could help:

• International Cooperation: The Pacific Drug Highway is a transnational problem that cannot be solved by individual nations. Collaborative efforts between countries, including intelligence sharing and joint operations, are essential.
• Investment in Enforcement: Improving the capacity of Pacific Island nations to inspect containers and patrol waters is crucial. This includes providing funding, training, and equipment.
• Focus on Harm Reduction: Instead of a strict “war on drugs” approach, governments must address root causes of addiction, invest in rehabilitation programs, and focus on breaking the cycle of dependency.
• Disrupting Corruption: Strengthening governance and implementing anti-corruption measures can reduce the ability of cartels to influence officials and systems.

The Far-Reaching Impacts of the Pacific Drug Highway

The impacts of the Pacific Drug Highway are far-reaching, not only for those battling addiction but also for the stability of nations and communities. If left unchecked, the growing influence of Latin American cartels in the Pacific region could lead to a loss of governance, economic challenges, and irreparable harm to vulnerable populations.

The Pacific Drug Highway is more than just a trafficking route; it’s a reflection of how globalisation and crime intersect with devastating consequences.

Source: New Lines Magazines