Transnational organised crime continues to evolve as one of the greatest security threats to the Pacific region. Drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and illegal fishing are thriving on weak legislation, limited border controls, and social vulnerabilities, posing risks not only to economic stability but also to the social cohesion of Pacific communities. These crimes are no longer isolated events – they are part of deeply embedded, sophisticated networks exploiting the distances between islands, the gaps in laws, and the weaknesses in enforcement systems.

Criminal actors have innovated, adapting maritime smuggling tactics with floating caches, manipulating porous aviation corridors, and using emerging digital tools such as cryptocurrency to move illicit profits. They capitalise on fragile governance and endemic corruption, sometimes even infiltrating public agencies, undermining trust and making enforcement responses even harder.

What is clear is that patchwork, fragmented solutions are no longer enough. The Pacific needs a regional security approach that is Pacific-led, culturally grounded, and community-centred, drawing from its own knowledge systems and leadership traditions.

In response to these issues, the Pacific Regional Security Hub convened a symposium in March 2025 that brought together Pacific Island officials, academics and civil society from across national security, law enforcement, and the security agencies. Over two days of talanoa, the participants identified the following seven issues and responses:

1. Build intelligence as a strategic asset: Real-time intelligence-sharing across Pacific nations is critical. Secure, classified information systems with protocols for civil-military-police collaboration can prevent crime before it takes root. Intelligence cannot remain in silos; it must be actionable, trusted, and widely shared among responsible agencies.
2. Harmonise laws and strengthen institutions: Too many national legal frameworks are outdated and fragmented, sometimes dating back to the 1960s. They leave loopholes that criminal groups exploit. Regional harmonisation of laws supported by technical and financial resources is vital to close these gaps. In parallel, investing in well-trained, well-resourced law enforcement agencies will boost the capacity to investigate, prosecute, and deter crime.
3. Leverage advanced technologies: Transnational crime groups are already using cutting-edge tech. Law enforcement must catch up, integrating modern forensic tools, digital surveillance, and cybersecurity platforms to counter threats. Resilient digital infrastructure will be key to protecting vulnerable communities as technology use grows across the Pacific.
4. Empower communities and youth: Pacific societies are deeply communal and resilient, with strong civil society and faith-based networks. Awareness campaigns, education initiatives, and youth engagement can reduce vulnerabilities to recruitment, trafficking, and exploitation. Building community-based resilience also means recognising the leadership role of women, elders, and traditional leaders in local responses.
5. Strengthen regional governance: Regional security efforts must be better coordinated, underpinned by clear accountability and strong leadership. A regional agency or ministerial-level security forum with a Pacific mandate can streamline strategy and decision-making. Leadership dialogue forums bringing together Defence, Police, and Foreign Affairs counterparts would strengthen shared understanding and a whole-of-region approach.
6. Foster military-police partnerships: Joint operations between the military and police can boost surveillance and deterrence capabilities, especially for maritime and border security. But these collaborations must be carefully structured to preserve the primacy of civilian policing and respect human rights. Pacific countries can design joint exercises, shared training, and clear mandates to ensure military support strengthens rather than overshadows local policing.
7. Invest in research and strategic trust: Effective policy and operations rely on evidence. Regional academic institutions should be supported to gather data, analyse trends, and share knowledge on what works. Building strategic trust within and across countries is essential for all these efforts to succeed. That means consistent dialogue, transparency, and cultural respect at every level.

The Pacific cannot allow transnational organised crime to define its future. Collective security, economic prosperity, and the resilience of Pacific communities depend on choices made today. A Pacific-led, Pacific-owned architecture – one that blends innovation with tradition – offers the best path forward. With shared political will, investments in intelligence and institutions, and strong regional leadership, the Pacific can build a security system ready for tomorrow’s challenges.