Transational Crime Units in the Pacific were established from the Pacific Transnational Crime Team Network (PTCN) in 2002, with the support of the Australian government after September 11.

This establishment was in response to Pacific governments recognizing the changing nature of crimes as well as the increased impact of transnational crimes such as drug/arm/people trafficking, human smuggling, terrorism, and money laundering in the Pacific region.

TCU is a multi-agency unit involving the Ministry of Police, Ministry for Revenue - Customs, and the Immigration division of the MPMC. It was officially opened in March 2003.

Its responsibilities include

• Undertaking intelligence-led investigations and proactive issue-specific target development projects relating to transnational crime
• Producing high quality tactical law enforcement intelligence
• Information analysis in relation to transnational crime and border protection issues
• Developing relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders and clients for development and operational matters