Authorities have confirmed that more than 450 kilograms of cocaine were seized from a sailing yacht in Luganville last week.

Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Andrew Napuat, said the case shows that transnational crime is becoming a growing problem in the Pacific.

The yacht, named Mi Amore, was intercepted by patrol boat RVS Takuare in the Banks Islands before being escorted to Luganville, where the drugs were confiscated. It is now held at the Police Maritime Wing base in Port Vila.

Police in Santo confirmed that three crew members of the yacht have been transferred to Port Vila as investigations continue.

A statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs described the bust as one of the biggest drug trafficking cases ever stopped by authorities in Vanuatu. The statement said all those connected to the yacht, including the owner and crew, will face the law.

Police are keeping the seized cocaine under tight security and say international experts may be needed to assist with the case.

At a press conference yesterday afternoon, Minister Napuat said:
“Vanuatu Police Force and Vanuatu Customs worked together to seize over 450 kilograms of cocaine from the sailing vessel Mi Amore. The crew includes one Chinese national and two Turkish nationals, who are currently detained. Vanuatu Customs has formally handed the case over to the Vanuatu Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.”

The investigation began after information was passed to police by people in Torba Province. Earlier last month, villagers in West Gaua reported a sailing yacht that came ashore asking for fuel. Locals said they grew suspicious and afraid because of the unusual behavior of the crew.

Minister Napuat said the case shows clearly that Vanuatu will not allow its borders to be used for criminal activity.