WITH an obvious increase in transnational crime – mostly around drug trafficking – Solomon Islands police have called for tougher penalties under an amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Bill.
In the first two months of 2026 Solomon Islands has been identified as a point on the drug trafficking route from the west coast of North and South America, through the Pacific, and onwards to Australia’s eastern seaboard.
Three narco subs – high powered boats which sit low in the water and used by crime gangs to transport narcotics – have been found in Solomon Islands waters this year.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has warned that existing laws are no longer fit for purpose.
Acting Police Commissioner Mathias Lenialu told a parliamentary committee that harsher penalties are necessary to deter serious drug trafficking, noting that many regional partners already impose heavy sentences for the worst drug-related offences.
“Transnational crime is a growing concern in our region, and our current legislation is outdated,” local media reported.
“We are aware of the dangerous impacts, and we are determined to safeguard our communities.”
Lenialu stressed that enforcement would be a challenge without granting police adequate investigative powers.
Solomons police believe that current laws and penalties are not sufficient deterrent when possible revenue from the drug trade is worth more than most islanders would earn in 10 years.
Among the gaps identified are the lack of offences covering possession of precursor chemicals and equipment used to manufacture drugs, as well as limited powers to investigate organised drug networks through covert operations.
Lenialu said police first needed to catch criminals and officers often lacked resources and investigative skills.
Police have warned that proposed severe penalties – although necessary as a preventive measure – will come at a high cost to the government. With proposed fines set at $SBD 15 million, cases be sent to the High Court.
This would lead to additional costs for provincial police and correctional services, which may have to detain suspects and convicted offenders for extended periods while awaiting the availability of judges.
Lenialu said resources must be increased to match the expected rise in drug cases before the courts.
Source: Solomons In-depth