As Pacific nations face increasing threats from transnational organised crime, customs leaders from across the region are gathering in Fiji this week to strengthen cooperation aimed at protecting borders and safeguarding Pacific communities.

The issue comes amid growing concern over the Pacific’s vulnerability to international criminal networks, with recent large-scale narcotics seizures exposing how maritime and aviation routes across the region are increasingly being targeted for illicit activities.

From 2 to 4 June, customs leaders from 24 Pacific administrations will meet in Fiji for the 28th Annual Conference of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO), with discussions expected to focus heavily on border security, intelligence sharing, and strengthening regional capacity.

OCO Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Udit Singh, says the complexity of modern border threats means Pacific nations can no longer work in isolation.

“The scale and complexity of modern border threats mean that no country can address these issues alone. Regional cooperation is essential. When one Pacific border is strengthened, the entire region becomes safer and more secure,” Singh said.

Beyond narcotics trafficking, customs agencies across the Pacific are increasingly confronting human trafficking, illicit financial flows, customs fraud, environmental crimes, and the movement of prohibited goods, issues that continue to place pressure on often resource-constrained border agencies.

The Pacific’s strategic location between major global markets has also heightened concerns, with the region sitting along key maritime and aviation corridors linking Asia, Australasia, and the Americas.

Officials say stronger customs systems are now becoming critical not only for law enforcement but also for protecting trade and supporting economic growth.

This year’s conference, hosted under the theme “Scaling Up the Commitment of Customs to Protect and Grow our Pasifika Communities,” will bring together customs leaders, governments, and international partners to examine ways to modernise border management systems and improve regional resilience.

As criminal networks become more sophisticated and trade volumes continue to rise, Pacific customs administrations face mounting pressure to evolve quickly, making regional cooperation increasingly central to the security and prosperity of the Blue Pacific.