In a significant anti-drug operation, France and the USA have jointly seized 2.4 tons of cocaine in the Pacific Ocean, specifically near French Polynesia. The operation was carried out on a vessel, although details about the ship's origin, its intended destination, and the flag it was sailing under have not been disclosed. The French authorities allowed the vessel to continue its journey after the seizure, which raises questions about the enforcement of drug trafficking laws in the region.

The seizure is part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the South Pacific, where organized crime syndicates are known to smuggle large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine from the Americas to markets in Australia and New Zealand. According to the United Nations, these syndicates have significantly increased their activities over the past years, leading to rising concerns about drug availability and addiction in these regions.

Over the last month alone, French authorities have reported seizing nearly 12 tons of cocaine in the waters surrounding Polynesia, highlighting the intensity of their crackdown on drug trafficking. This operation adds to the French navy’s impressive record, which includes seizing 58 tons of cocaine worldwide in 2025. The collaboration between France and the USA showcases international efforts to address the pressing issue of drug trafficking in remote areas of the Pacific Ocean.