Australia and Pacific nations have agreed to strengthen regional cooperation against transnational and organised crime, with a particular focus on disrupting illicit drug trafficking.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $600 million support package as Pacific leaders endorsed Waqa Moana, a Pacific-led maritime security initiative designed to improve cooperation between police forces and other operational agencies.

Intelligence at the Centre of New Initiative

Waqa Moana will focus on ensuring that useful intelligence reaches Pacific police forces and operational responders more quickly.

The initiative is intended to help countries work together against criminal networks whose activities cross national borders.

Australia Commits Major Funding

Under the new package, the Australian Federal Police will invest $49 million in additional programmes targeting transnational and organised crime across the region.

Australia’s Department of Defence will provide a further $312 million over 10 years to support efforts against organised and transnational criminal activity.

Pacific-Led Security Approach

The Australian government says the initiative reflects the Pacific region’s desire for security cooperation to be led by Pacific countries themselves.

Australia is positioning its support as part of a wider partnership designed to strengthen the ability of regional nations to respond collectively to security challenges.

Growing Police Cooperation

The latest initiative builds on existing regional policing cooperation. Australia said that more than 1,100 Pacific personnel have trained through the Pacific Policing Initiative Development and Coordination Hub in Brisbane since it opened in December 2024.

During the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau, 119 personnel from the Pacific Police Support Group were deployed to assist with security, including 28 Australian Federal Police officers.

Disaster Response Also Part of Regional Cooperation

Pacific leaders also highlighted the importance of the Pacific Humanitarian Response Coordination Mechanism, known as PResCOM.

The mechanism was used during the response to Tropical Cyclone Maila in the Solomon Islands earlier in 2026, demonstrating how regional cooperation can support countries during emergencies.

Australia Targets Illicit Drug Trade

The Australian government says illicit drug trafficking is creating serious problems for communities across the Pacific.

By improving intelligence-sharing, policing capabilities and regional coordination, the new initiative aims to make it harder for organised criminal groups to operate across borders.

What Happens Next?

Implementation of Waqa Moana will require continued cooperation among Pacific governments, police forces and other security agencies.

Australia’s financial commitment is intended to provide resources for this regional effort while supporting a Pacific-led approach to tackling organised crime and improving long-term security.