BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Premier of Central Islands Province (CIP), Kenneth Sagupari, fully supports the amendment to the Dangerous Drug Act 2025 (DDA), but is concerned over the penalties outlined, describing them as too lenient.
The amendment introduced by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), include life imprisonment and a fine of SBD $15 million for offenders. A hearing on the amendment, facilitated by the Bill and Legislative Committee (BLC) took place last month.
In an interview with this newspaper, Premier Sagupari emphasized that his government fully backs the amendment, highlighting the significant threat posed by dangerous drugs to the future of Solomon Islands.
“My government supports the amendment because the future of the Solomon Islands is at risk due to the growing issue of dangerous drugs,” he said.
Sagupari also voiced concerns about the need for advanced technology to better monitor drug-related activities at the country’s borders.
He pointed to the recent discovery of several narco-submarines in the country as a clear indicator of drug trafficking activity entering the country.
“These narco-subs are commonly used for smuggling drugs, and their discovery highlights the reality of drug-related activity passing through our borders,” he said.
The Premier further argued that the proposed penalty of SBD $15 million fine is insufficient, given the scale of profits generated by drug traffickers.
“I believe the SBD $15 million fine is too soft – far too soft for drug dealers or anyone involved in this illegal business.
“These individuals make millions from trafficking drugs, and even if they are caught, they can simply pay the fine and walk away, leaving our people vulnerable to the growing drug problem,” he said.
He also noted that the Solomon Islands’ small population makes the country particularly susceptible to the risks associated with dangerous drugs.
In terms of CIP, Sagupari said its close proximity to Honiara is a concern should there be possible spread of dangerous drugs.
“For example, copane drug is already prevalent in my province. Whether produced in the province or transported from Honiara, the ease of drug movement from the capital to the province is highly possible,” he added.
Given the gravity of the issue, Premier Sagupari calls for constitutional amendments to allow for capital punishment for those involved in the dangerous drug trade.
He believes that only through harsher measures will the country be able to effectively curb the drug problem.
“These measures are necessary if we want to send a clear message that the Solomon Islands has zero tolerance for dangerous drugs,” Sagupari said.
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