A new Pacific police agreement has been signed in Sydney to crack down on transnational crime in the region.
AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin, Fiji Police Force Deputy Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, Tonga Police Service Commissioner Steve Caldwell, and New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush. Photo: Supplied/ AFP
Top police from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Tonga met in Manly yesterday to launch the Transnational Serious and Organised Crime Pacific Taskforce.
Its focus will be joint investigations and disruption of organised crime groups operating in the region.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Andrew Colvin, said the agreement will have a strong deterrent effect and send a clear message that the Pacific is not a safe haven for criminals.
"The AFP and other Australian law enforcement agencies are already working closely with our Pacific neighbours. We have a proud history of working together to combat a broad range of transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, cybercrime and child exploitation."
Tonga Police Service Commissioner Steve Caldwell said that the Tonga Police have initiated a drug taskforce and national strategy to combat illicit drugs.
"This arrangement will allow a stronger regional response to fight organised crime impacting on the Pacific."