Australia will roll out a 600 million Pacific-wide initiative, named Waqa Moana, to curb rising illicit drug smuggling—especially cocaine bound for Australia—through enhanced aerial surveillance, maritime coordination, and fortified police support for Pacific nations.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the plan at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, framing it as a regional effort to address the transnational narcotics trade driven by demand in Australia and New Zealand.

Participation is opt-in for Pacific nations, with several countries showing interest but formal support not guaranteed, as the region considers how to coordinate efforts.

The package will leverage existing assets, including Australia’s Guardian-class patrol boats, to boost aerial surveillance, expand intelligence sharing, and strengthen police collaboration across the region.

Pacific Affairs Minister Pat Conroy says smaller nations are increasingly affected, with trafficking becoming more intense and sophisticated, underscoring the need for regional cooperation.

Australian Federal Police note a sharp rise in illicit drug seizures in the Pacific, warning that narco-submarine trafficking poses a national security threat.

The initiative complements efforts to enhance border training and scene interdiction capabilities for Pacific nations, improving on-the-ground enforcement.

Albanese frames the plan as a regional effort in Australia’s interest to curb transnational crime, with leaders expected to endorse it by week’s end.

Formal presentation of the Waqa Moana package will occur at the Pacific Islands Forum, with details on participation left to each nation’s choice.

The plan includes closer cooperation with South and Central American countries to target drugs at the source and builds on Australia’s broader maritime security commitments.

The package addresses spikes in drug trafficking linked to gang activity in Samoa and Tonga, and related public health concerns such as rising HIV rates in Fiji, amid recent large seizures.

Australian Federal Police emphasize the scale of seizures (millions of dollars’ worth of drugs) and the need to prosecute cartels behind the narcotics networks.