Authorities are raising alarms about the emergence of suspected narco submarines in the Pacific region. In the past year, three empty vessels linked to drug trafficking have been discovered near the Solomon Islands. These semi-submersible boats are typically used by Mexican and South American drug cartels to transport large quantities of narcotics across oceans. Experts warn that this trend indicates a shift in drug trafficking strategies, with international syndicates increasingly targeting the lucrative markets in Australia and New Zealand. Dr. John Coyne, a transnational crime expert at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, noted that the appearance of these vessels could suggest that cartels are expanding their operations in the Pacific. "Donald Trump's measures — certainly his southern border with Mexico — have had significant impacts on cartels' money-making, in terms of people smuggling and human trafficking," Dr. Coyne said. He added that these syndicates are likely seeking new high-margin opportunities, with Australia becoming a focal point. A recent intelligence report from Australian and international agencies confirmed that Mexican cartels are increasingly targeting the illicit drug markets in Australia and New Zealand. The report indicated that these cartels are collaborating with local organized crime groups to facilitate drug trafficking. "Cartels are capitalizing on the highly lucrative methamphetamine and cocaine markets in the region," the report stated. It also highlighted the presence of cartel associates in Australia and New Zealand to manage logistics, while local criminal organizations handle distribution. In the last financial year, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Border Force reported a 44% increase in the volume of illicit drugs seized, totaling 48.8 tonnes. This included 15.5 tonnes of methamphetamine, 14.4 tonnes of Butanediol, and 6.7 tonnes of cocaine. Despite these seizures, Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook of the NSW State Crime Command noted that police are encountering significant amounts of illicit drugs in the community. "The violence associated with drug rips, revenge, and informants giving up information is a significant issue for us," Cook said, referring to the ongoing gang violence in Sydney. He emphasized that criminal syndicates are increasingly collaborating to import drugs into Australia, which has changed the landscape of organized crime. "They're working together, and the reason they're working together is because it's good for profits," Cook explained. He described a scenario where multiple criminal groups share the profits from drug importations. Technological advancements have also transformed how these networks operate. Criminal organizations are now using social media and encrypted apps to recruit individuals for various criminal tasks. "There is a marketplace on the internet where these are contracted out. It's not just murders that are contracted now. Every crime type is now contracted," Cook said. He noted that even teenagers are getting involved in serious crimes, with some bidding for contracts online. This trend has led to younger individuals committing violent acts. In July, two 15-year-old boys were charged in connection with shootings in Sydney, allegedly recruited by criminal gangs through online platforms. In another incident, two teenagers were charged with the murder of Luke Manassa, believed to be a case of mistaken identity. Fred Nagi, a former member of the Brothers 4 Life gang, expressed concern about the influence of social media on youth. "They [gang members] are getting much younger. Social media is a massive problem. Some people glorify it," he said. Nagi, who spent around 30 years involved in criminal gangs, shared his experiences to deter young people from gang life. He reflected on the dangers and consequences of such a lifestyle, stating, "When I got shot, when other brothers that were in my gang got killed, on the run, wounded, you've just got to go on with it, and it's a dead end." The rise of narco subs and the involvement of younger individuals in serious crimes highlight the evolving challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking and organized crime in the region.