Nadi, FIJI — Last year it was found that the Pacific has become a lucrative drug corridor, driven by cartels, criminal organizations, and local gangs, according to media reports. Reportedly, the deportation policies of Australia, New Zealand, and the United States are exacerbating crime and addiction within Pacific nations. The Pacific Islands are alleged to have become a production site and trafficking destination as well as trafficking thoroughfare.

For American Samoa, access to the US and Asian markets through imports brought in through containers are said to open its doors to illegal drug access opportunities. Containers are one of the primary modes of trafficking illicit drugs in the Pacific, with the trend likely to grow, the media reports. The problems with ‘ice’ — is local news fodder, with families from all walks of life affected.

Fiji police say the over three tons of methamphetamine (ice) seized are in police custody and investigation into the matter continues.

The drugs were stored in 797 medium-sized packages wrapped in brown tapes that were seized from a vacant house under construction in Namaka in Nadi, police said via a statement on Monday.