The Vanuatu Police Force discovered a large drug haul destined for Australia after local concerns arose about an overturned sailboat.
Originally anchored offshore near Havannah Harbour, the vessel was swept onto the reef by a storm, capsizing in North West Efate.
A local, suspecting something unusual, contacted authorities, which led to the uncovering of 1.6 tonnes of bagged white powder on the boat’s deck.
Subsequent forensic tests identified the substance as purportedly “pure cocaine.”
A Lithuanian and a British national have been arrested and are in custody in connection with the suspected smuggling operation.
Nine.com.au has sought information from the Vanuatu Police Force regarding when the accused are expected to appear in court.
While the AFP pointed nine.com.au to the Vanuatu Police Force for comment, the South Pacific branch of the federal agency posted about the drug bust on Facebook last week, confirming they were assisting in the investigation.
“At the request from VPF, the AFP is working side by side with the VPF, providing operational, specialist investigative and forensic support to their investigation into a yacht that had run aground close to the shoreline in the harbour, believed to have contained the drugs,” the Facebook post reads.
As the investigation continues, Vanuatu locals told nine.com.au they have growing concerns over the South Pacific drug trade.
One Port Villa resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, says locals are “terrified” that illegal drugs will eventually find their way onshore, adding they don’t want their peaceful island paradise overrun by alleged syndicates.
Last week’s bust is the latest in a string of operations dedicated to cracking down on alleged drug smugglers routing through the South Pacific to reach Australia by the AFP and their Pacific partners.
The route has become so popular that the AFP announced a focused South Pacific organised crime branch in collaboration with the Fiji Police Force in December last year.
“Australia’s insatiable appetite for illegal commodities, and the high price the Australian public pays to consume these really dangerous substances, is putting significant pressure on our Pacific family,” Commissioner Barrett said at the time.
“While the majority of these drugs are still trafficked to Australia, there is a growing concern that organised crime is now sending illicit commodities directly to the Pacific to find another market.”
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