Last week, French customs (DNRED) carried out a major drug seizure on board a sailing vessel that had made a stopover in Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia.
Following a thorough search, officers discovered a substantial quantity of drugs on board, totalling 900 kilograms of cocaine and 180 kilograms of methamphetamine, reportedly destined for Australia. It is believed the narcotics were loaded onto the yacht off the Mexican coast.
The Pacific route towards Australia is increasingly exploited by criminal organisations, enabling them to maximise profits from drug trafficking. They take advantage of the vast expanse of ocean, where effective patrolling by authorities remains extremely challenging.
Both crew members, of German and Dutch nationality, have been arrested and will face charges related to international drug trafficking.
Picture: ©Teama Kamia – Polynésie la 1ère
