Cocaine Ship Stranded In Rarotonga As Departure Delayed

The usually quiet Avatiu International Secure Port on Rarotonga has found itself at the center of international attention after the arrival of the MV Raider, a cargo vessel recently intercepted with a staggering 4.87 tonnes of cocaine onboard. The saga began in mid-January 2026, when French authorities seized the illicit cargo from the ship, reportedly en route to Australia. Since then, the vessel’s fate has been a source of mounting concern and logistical headaches for Cook Islands officials, who now face the challenge of balancing maritime law, public safety, and international scrutiny.

According to Cook Islands News, the MV Raider entered Rarotonga waters last week under a distress call, seeking urgent engine repairs. After sheltering south of the island during a bout of severe weather, the ship finally docked at the Avatiu International Secure Port on Friday, January 31, 2026. The vessel, which sails under the flag of Togo, has since remained under the watchful eyes of local authorities, its future uncertain as officials weigh safety, legal, and procedural considerations.

French officials, who initially intercepted the MV Raider, confiscated the cocaine but released both the vessel and its crew, allowing them to seek shelter near Rarotonga amidst adverse weather conditions. This decision, while consistent with international maritime protocols, has left Cook Islands authorities in a tricky position. 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 recent history should be permitted to linger in local waters.

“The duration of the vessel’s stay in Rarotonga is currently unknown and depends on the completion of repairs and ongoing assessments by relevant agencies,” Cook Islands Customs stated in response to media inquiries, as reported by Cook Islands News. The uncertainty has only fueled public anxiety, with some locals expressing frustration over the lack of clear answers regarding the ship’s departure date.

The ship’s 11 crew members, a mix of Honduran and Ecuadorian nationals, have also drawn attention. Upon arrival, 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. “The vessel was boarded by border agencies, and a thorough onboard search was conducted by Customs and Cook Islands Police Service including search for drugs and other illicit or prohibited items. Nothing was found,” Customs confirmed. The crew members were questioned but not arrested, and no further illicit materials were discovered during the inspection.

Despite the lack of new evidence, the crew’s movements remain tightly restricted. No Customs clearance was granted for the MV Raider, as the vessel failed to meet legal arrival requirements. However, humanitarian considerations have prevailed: the crew has been allowed brief, supervised access ashore to obtain essential provisions, but are otherwise confined to the ship. “The crew are not under arrest. They will remain on board and are not permitted onshore. The vessel must depart once repairs are completed,” Customs reiterated.

The logistical and financial burden of the vessel’s stay falls squarely on its owners and operators. All associated costs, including harbor and port-related fees, must be covered by the responsible parties, according to Cook Islands officials. This is standard practice, but the high-profile nature of the MV Raider’s predicament has placed additional pressure on the authorities to ensure transparency and accountability at every step.

Security has been another top priority. The MV Raider is currently secured within the ISPS-compliant area of Avatiu Port, under 24-hour surveillance by the Ports Authority. “The vessel is in the Cook Islands under distress solely to carry out necessary repairs, which are being conducted in line with international law and humanitarian obligations. The crew’s essential needs were met while their movements remained restricted,” Customs explained. During a spell of severe weather on January 25, 2026, 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 Avatiu Port.

The presence of such a large quantity of seized cocaine has inevitably raised questions about regional drug trafficking routes and the Cook Islands’ role—however inadvertent—in the global narcotics trade. The 4.87 tonnes of cocaine, reportedly destined for Australia, represent one of the largest maritime drug hauls in recent memory for the region. According to RNZ, French authorities’ interception of the MV Raider was a significant blow to international criminal networks, but the aftermath has left Cook Islands officials grappling with the practicalities of hosting a vessel with such a notorious backstory.

Local agencies have been at pains to emphasize their commitment to upholding both national and international law. “Cook Islands border agencies continue to coordinate to safeguard public safety, uphold maritime security, and maintain compliance with all applicable laws,” Customs stated. The close cooperation between Customs, police, and port authorities has ensured that the vessel remains under strict control, even as the situation evolves.

For now, the departure date of the MV Raider remains a matter of speculation. The Harbour Master has verified the need for repairs, but the timeline for completion is uncertain, depending on the assessment and approval of multiple agencies. Only once repairs are finished and regulatory requirements are met will the ship be permitted to leave. Until then, the vessel will remain a high-profile, if unwelcome, guest in Avatiu Port.

All the while, concerns among Rarotonga residents continue to mount. The community is understandably wary of the risks—however remote—posed by the ship’s presence, especially given its recent association with such a massive drug shipment. Authorities have sought to reassure the public, maintaining strict supervision and limiting crew access to shore, but the unease is palpable.

While the MV Raider awaits its next chapter, the Cook Islands government is walking a tightrope between humanitarian obligations, international law, and public sentiment. The episode has underscored the complexities of modern maritime enforcement in a region increasingly affected by transnational crime. As the world watches, local officials are determined to see the situation resolved safely and in accordance with both legal and ethical standards.

For now, the MV Raider remains moored at Avatiu Port—a potent reminder of the challenges that come with being a small island nation on the front lines of global maritime security.