BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu, has expressed full support for the amendment of the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2025, advocating for severe penalties, including the possibility of capital punishment to address the growing issue of drug trafficking.
Siapu made these statements in light of the alarming impact that drugs are and will have on the country’s population.
He emphasized that provinces, which collectively house 80 percent of the country’s population, have a unique responsibility to address these issues head-on, especially as leaders who are closely connected to the communities.
“I support the amendment of the Dangerous Drugs Act, sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, which is currently under hearing by the Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC),” Siapu said.
The Premier highlighted that Makira Ulawa province has had its share of encounters with illegal drugs, many of which have been linked to transnational drug trafficking.
He recalled several notable incidents in the province’s history, starting with the 1990 discovery of cocaine at Three Sisters Islands.
“Seven years ago, a yacht drifted ashore at Ulawa Island, carrying drugs. Locals took the drugs, which confirmed to be cocaine and sold them in Kirakira, with some reportedly trafficked to other parts of the country.
“Additionally, a narco-submarine, commonly used for drug transportation, was discovered in the Namuga area of Star Harbour,” Siapu explained.
Siapu also mentioned that just recently, police questioned students from a local secondary school who were found in possession of methamphetamine, locally known as ICE.
He also noted that drugs such as marijuana and copen were being planted and processed in the province.
In light of these incidents, Siapu called for stronger laws to protect the youth of Makira Ulawa and the country at large from the dangers of illegal drugs, urging better monitoring of provincial borders, which are often used as routes for smuggling.
“The current weaknesses in the country’s drug laws allow for drug activity to flourish, putting our young people at great risk.
“I firmly believe the Dangerous Drugs Act needs to be amended to include harsher penalties for offenders. Our laws must be updated to reflect the severity of the situation.
“We must safeguard our provinces and the country from these dangerous substances.
“If we don’t act now, it will destroy our population especially our youth, who are the future leaders of this nation,” he said.
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