23 Dec 2019

Cook Islands police target organised crime groups

3:11 pm on 23 December 2019

Cook Islands Police Commissioner Maara Tetava says his staff are working with other law enforcement agencies to target and dismantle organised crime groups.

Police Commissioner, Maara Tetava

Police Commissioner, Maara Tetava Photo: RNZ Pacific / Flo Syme Buchanan

In the past month, six people have been charged with drug related offences - three in Rarotonga and three in New Zealand.

The Cook Islands News reports the arrests came as a result of co-ordinated operations by police in both countries targeting trans-national organised crime.

The charges include participation in an organised criminal group, possession of a firearm, supply of cannabis and possession of drug utensils.

Mr Tetava said they were committed to making the Cook Islands a hostile environment for those involved in organised crime.