BY NED GAGAHE
CABINET has approved the draft Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill, paving the way for major legal reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s fight against methamphetamine and other illicit drugs.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed this in Parliament on Thursday December 11, 2025 during his speech when moving the Sine-Die Motion.
“Mr. Speaker, emerging risks from cyber security to dangerous drugs are already on our shores. We are not oblivious to these matters,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that legislative reforms are progressing to confront these threats, including the development of a cyber security bill and significant amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act.
The new amendments will dramatically increase penalties reaching tens of millions of dollars in fines and life imprisonment for serious drug offences.
“The draft Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill was approved by Cabinet last week for finalisation by the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services,” Manele said.
Legal Gaps Prompt Urgent Action
The Government’s push to overhaul the Dangerous Drugs Act follows alarming revelations earlier this year regarding critical weaknesses in the existing law.
In October, Prime Minister Manele confirmed that Government was moving urgently to address legal gaps that have hindered effective prosecution of methamphetamine cases.
His response came after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Andrew Kelesi, publicly highlighted that current legislation only criminalises importation, exportation and transportation of dangerous drugs.
This followed the arrest of a foreign national allegedly found with the drug.
The law does not criminalise possession, supply, or manufacturing of substances such as methamphetamine.
Under existing law, it is not illegal to possess or even manufacture methylamphetamine in Solomon Islands.
The revelation triggered widespread concern and prompted the Government to fast-track reforms.
Government Committed to Closing Legal Loopholes
Prime Minister Manele told local media during an October press conference that significant gaps exist in “a good number of our legislations.”
He said the Attorney General’s Chambers, police, and other stakeholders were working together to urgently address the weaknesses.
He said this is a priority for the government to quickly bring the necessary amendments to Parliament, hopefully during the first session next year.
He stressed that the Government aims to modernise outdated laws to ensure stronger action can be taken against individuals involved in the production, distribution, and use of illegal drugs.
With Cabinet now endorsing the draft amendment bill, the legislation is expected to be finalised soon before being tabled in Parliament.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
