BY NED GAGAHE
The government has secured 1,000 rapid drug testing kits as part of efforts to strengthen enforcement and close long-standing gaps in prosecuting drug-related offences.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil revealed during the Bills and Legislation Committee hearing last Friday, February 20, 2026, that the Pharmacy Division under the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) now has the rapid test kits in hand.
She said the new kits will allow authorities to conduct immediate screening of suspected illicit substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine and other prohibited drugs.
“Under the Primary Act, Section 40, one of the issues why most cases have been acquitted is because of the non-existence of capacity and capabilities for testing,” McNeil told the Committee.
She said that the lack of testing facilities has been a major gap, often affecting the ability of authorities to provide evidence within the three-month timeframe required under the law.
“With these rapid tests now available, we are slowly putting those capabilities in place,” she said.
McNeil also disclosed that Government is exploring plans to establish a mini laboratory to conduct more specific and confirmatory testing locally, reducing reliance on external facilities and speeding up prosecutions.
McNeil said the move comes amid broader reforms to strengthen the country’s legal framework on drugs. A comprehensive review of the Dangerous Drug Act (DDA) has been completed in partnership with the Ministry of Police, with technical assistance re-engaged to draft a modern policy document to replace and repeal the current legislation.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the National Referral Hospital, Dr George Malefoasi, said improved testing will also support the health sector.
He said that while drug-related mental health admissions are recorded, confirmation of specific substances has been a challenge.
“With the tests now available, suspected cases can be confirmed. Sometimes meth can be confused with other drugs, but proper screening will help us identify what substances are involved,” Malefoasi said.
According to figures presented during the hearing, 54 drug-related cases were recorded in 2024, though monitoring and surveillance remain a challenge.
PS McNeil said the introduction of the rapid test kits is a significant step towards improving enforcement, strengthening prosecutions and enhancing public health responses to illicit drug use in the country.
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