# US-Pacific crime and security cooperation

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-pacific-crime-and-security-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-10-30T03:41:35.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2.

Following the inaugural US-Pacific Islands Conference of Police Ministers in Los Angeles, the United States has committed over $44 million to assist Pacific Island nations in disrupting organized crime, drug cartels, and cybercrime networks. A significant portion of this funding, approximately $18.2 million, is intended to help nations detect money flows supporting narcotic groups. This includes $5 million for the Pacific Alliance for Combating Illicit Finance and Cybercrime (PACIFIC) program, which focuses on digital forensics, cryptocurrency tracing, and beneficial ownership investigations.

In conjunction with these financial commitments, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Cartwright Weiland warned of the expanding influence of drug cartels and narcoterrorist groups in the region. Weiland noted that criminal networks from the Americas are extending operations into the Pacific, creating significant geopolitical insecurity. The U.S. has emphasized a commitment to supporting the sovereignty and local expertise of Pacific governments through increased intelligence sharing and regional cooperation.

## Claims

- The Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) conference was held in Santo Domingo on October 26 and 27. (reported by 8 sources)
- Representatives from 19 nations participated in the conference. (reported by 8 sources)
- General Francis L. Donovan described the Dominican Republic as a key ally and strategic location. (reported by 7 sources)
- The conference was co-organized by the Dominican Republic Ministry of Defense and SOUTHCOM. (reported by 4 sources)
- Participants worked on an operational plan and a governance charter to define coalition priorities. (reported by 3 sources)
- The coalition aims to strengthen intelligence exchange and develop joint operations against criminal networks. (reported by 3 sources)
- President Luis Abinader opened the conference on October 27. (reported by 3 sources)
- The coalition seeks to address illicit financing, logistics, and corruption used by cartels. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-30: Dominican Republic hosts Americas Counter Cartel Coalition conference

Nineteen nations met in Santo Domingo for the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition conference to coordinate intelligence and joint operations against transnational criminal networks and narco-terrorism.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-warns-of-expanding-drug-cartel-reach-in-pacific

### 2026-10-26: United States allocates $44 million to combat Pacific criminal networks

The U.S. is investing over $44 million to help Pacific nations combat organized crime, targeting drug cartels and cybercrime through enhanced maritime security and cryptocurrency tracking training.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-allocates-44-million-to-combat-pacific-criminal-networks

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Cite as: US-Pacific crime and security cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-pacific-crime-and-security-cooperation