U.S. Partners with Pacific Islands to Combat Drug Trafficking

The United States is collaborating with Pacific Island nations to curb drug trafficking by Chinese criminal networks. This initiative aims to address regional issues, including increased methamphetamine seizures in Fiji and Tonga. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell announced forthcoming U.S. assistance focusing on drug interdiction and law enforcement.

The United States is collaborating with Pacific Island nations to tackle the escalating issue of drug trafficking by Chinese criminal networks, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell announced Thursday.

With a spike in overdose deaths and increased methamphetamine seizures in Fiji and Tonga, the U.S. is determined to aid in drug interdiction and law enforcement efforts, Campbell said. An official announcement on U.S. assistance in the Pacific is expected next week.

Campbell, who was in Vanuatu to open the new U.S. embassy, emphasized that Pacific leaders are eager to work with the U.S. He also discussed areas of potential cooperation with China's Pacific envoy Qian Bo.

(With inputs from agencies.)