BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The National Youth Congress (NYC) has expressed strong support for the proposed Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025, backing an increase in the maximum penalty for large-scale drug trafficking from 100,000 penalty units to 15 million penalty units, including the possibility of life imprisonment.
NYC Chairman Harry James Olikwailafa said the amendment is necessary to address the growing threat of drug trafficking and organised crime in Solomon Islands.
He said that drugs are becoming increasingly accessible, with reports indicating small portions being sold between $300 and $500, particularly within Honiara.
“Usage among night-shift workers, transport operators and young people is also a growing concern,” he said.
Mr Olikwailafa said that if domestic production emerges, it could lead to higher addiction rates, increased crime, strained families and pressure on already limited public health and law enforcement systems.
He said Solomon Islands faces structural challenges, including limited detention facilities, restricted police investigative capacity and under-resourced hospital and rehabilitation services.
He said the proposed penalties are consistent with international standards.
“Countries such as Fiji, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada and New Zealand impose life imprisonment and multi-million-dollar fines for serious drug trafficking offences,” he said.
However, he also calls for harmonisation between the amendment and the Youth Justice Bill 2019, which emphasises rehabilitation and restorative justice for young offenders.
Olikwailafa said there is need to clearly distinguish between major traffickers and dependent users to avoid undermining rehabilitative principles.
He further reminded BLC that stronger penalties must not replace investments in prevention, treatment and awareness programmes.
The NYC submitted its recommendations to the Bills and Legislation Committee, reaffirming its support for tougher laws to combat what it describes as a serious and emerging transnational crime threat to youths, society and the country.
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