Raider

In a joint French-US operation in January 2026, authorities boarded the 'Raider' in international waters off French Polynesia and seized the contraband, five tonnes of drugs, which were later dumped at sea. The ship and its crew were released and allowed to continue their voyage, triggering questions across the Pacific about the lawfulness of the operation and who had the right and the obligation to prosecute those involved. The ship was expected to continue its voyage to Sydney, however, it was now bound for Noumea.

Cook Islands authorities were facing mounting concerns and logistical hurdles after the 'Raider', seized with nearly five tonnes of cocaine en route to Sydney, Australia, in mid-January 2026, remains docked for repairs under strict security. The ship, carrying 4.87 tonnes of cocaine, was intercepted by French authorities and later docked at Avatiu International Secure Port for engine repairs. The 'Raider' entered Rarotonga waters last week after a distress call, seeking urgent engine repairs. After sheltering south of the island during a spell of severe weather, the ship finally docked at the Avatiu International Secure Port on Jan 31 and has since remained with its future uncertain as officials weighed safety, legal, and procedural considerations. The French officials, who initially intercepted the 'Raider', confiscated the cocaine but released both the vessel and its crew, allowing them to seek shelter near Rarotonga amidst adverse weather conditions. The ship’s presence in Avatiu Port has sparked unease among residents and officials alike, with many questioning how long a vessel with such a notorious history should be permitted to stay in local waters, which depended on the completion of repairs and ongoing assessments by relevant agencies. The 11 crew members from Honduran and Ecuadorian nationals, have also drawn attention. The border agencies, including Customs and the Cook Islands Police Service, conducted a thorough search of the vessel, scouring for any remaining drugs or prohibited items. Nothing was found. The crew members were questioned but not arrested, and no further illicit materials were discovered during the inspection. The crew’s movements remained tightly restricted. No Customs clearance was granted for the'Raider', as the vessel failed to meet legal arrival requirements. For humanitarian considerations the crew has been allowed brief, supervised access ashore to obtain essential provisions, but were otherwise confined to the ship. The vessel must depart once repairs are completed- All associated costs, including harbour and port-related fees, must be covered by the responsible parties. The 'Raider' was secured within the ISPS-compliant area of Avatiu Port, under 24-hour surveillance by the Ports Authority. During a spell of severe weather on Jan 25 the vessel was temporarily relocated to the southern side of Rarotonga and monitored closely by Police Te Kukupa before being returned to its berth at the Avatiu Port.