More than 450 kilograms of cocaine were seized from the yacht Mi Amore in a major drug bust carried out through a joint operation between the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), the Department of Customs, and the Department of Immigration on 28 August 2025.
Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Solomon Napuat, confirmed at a press conference Tuesday that three crew members — one Chinese national and two Turkish nationals — have been detained and are now in custody as investigations continue.
Napuat said police and customs officials, working with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), have submitted initial findings and are seeking specialist support. “Because of the nature of this activity, we have requested assistance from the Australian Federal Police,” he said.
The vessel first came to authorities’ attention on 7 August, when residents of Gaua reported sighting it off the island’s coast. Police in Sola responded and began investigating, suspecting illicit activity. The ship was escorted to the Torba Provincial Government headquarters in Sola for further checks. Following reports to the VPF in Port Vila, immigration, customs, and the Australian Federal Police deployed the MV Takuare to assist in the operation.
Upon inspection, police and customs, working with the Maritime Wing, Biosecurity, and the AFP, discovered hidden compartments on Mi Amore. Inside, they removed 450 kilograms of cocaine. The crew, vessel, and evidence were transferred to Port Vila to support the ongoing investigation.
Minister Napuat said the VPF’s 100-Day Plan includes strengthening maritime security. “This operation shows the effectiveness of our law enforcement agencies working together to combat transnational crimes and protect Vanuatu,” he said, reiterating the Police Commissioner’s commitment.
This seizure marks the second major cocaine case in Vanuatu’s history. The first in 2013, when authorities discovered a large quantity of cocaine on an abandoned vessel in Port Vila harbour.
The Minister urged citizens to assist in protecting the nation’s borders. “Border protection is not only the responsibility of the VPF and customs. Every community must play a role. Anyone noticing suspicious vessels or activity should report it immediately to the authorities,” he said.
Napuat added that the incident reflects the growing challenges faced by Vanuatu and the wider Pacific region in combating transnational crime. Government agencies must remain vigilant to ensure that Vanuatu does not become a transit point for illegal drugs.
