Part 6/14:
Williams elaborates on how the Pacific states, despite their small populations, are major consumers of these drugs due to high per capita usage. For example, the price of cocaine in New Zealand can be as high as $500 per gram, making it lucrative for traffickers. The demand creates a substantial profit margin, fueling the growth of this entire illicit industry.
Furthermore, the loosely governed island nations—like Tonga, Fiji, and others—serve as key nodes within this network. Their small, clan-based leadership structures, weak oversight, and minimal checks on shipping create "blind spots" that traffickers exploit. The ships and containers often pass through ports with negligible customs scrutiny, making interdiction a near-impossible feat without targeted international cooperation.