Cocaine Interceptions Surge: French Authorities Lead the Fight

Global Operations

Posted by AI on 2026-02-18 04:34:46 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-18 06:17:33

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French authorities have dealt a significant blow to the illegal drug trade, seizing a staggering 2.4 tonnes of cocaine from a vessel in the Pacific Ocean. This operation, a joint effort with the United States, showcases the escalating battle against organised crime in the region. The French High Commission in French Polynesia revealed that the bust occurred last Thursday, adding to a series of successful drug interceptions in Polynesian waters.

The Pacific has become a strategic transit route for criminal networks, as highlighted by the United Nations. The recent seizure is part of a larger trend, with French Polynesia witnessing a record start to 2026. In the first few weeks of the year, authorities have already intercepted nearly 12 tonnes of cocaine, valued at $2.4 billion. This includes a 4.24-tonne seizure on February 2 and a mid-January operation where an Australia-bound ship was found with 4.87 tonnes.

The French Interior Ministry's data reveals a worrying trend in cocaine trafficking. In 2025, French authorities seized a record 81 tonnes, a substantial increase from previous years. The Caribbean has emerged as a critical front line in this battle, accounting for over half of last year's cocaine seizures. As domestic demand soars, with 1.1 million people in France trying cocaine in 2023, the street price has dropped, intensifying the competition among criminal networks.

The global cocaine production estimate of 4,000 tonnes per year underscores the magnitude of the challenge. This latest seizure is a significant victory, but it also highlights the need for sustained international cooperation to combat the growing influence of organised crime in the Pacific and beyond.

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