BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Minister for Police Jimson Tanangada says the appointment of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Commissioner Ian Vaevaso was carried out through the constitutional process.
Tanangada made the clarification during a press conference on Saturday, addressing public concerns linked to methamphetamine allegations involving the new Police Commissioner.
“The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Service wishes to clarify public discussion surrounding the appointment of Mr Ian Vaevaso as Commissioner of Police and the matter concerning the destruction of illicit drug exhibits. The key point is that Mr Vaevaso’s appointment was made through the constitutional process,” he said.
He said Vaevaso was sworn in on 24 April, appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation with the Police and Correctional Service Commission.
Tanangada said the drug-related matter stemmed from the seizure of methamphetamine in late 2023 and the subsequent handling of the exhibits by RSIPF.
He said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) advised the Police Commissioner on 15 January 2024 that the substance was a prohibited drug and should be destroyed.
On 16 January 2024, that advice was operationalised through internal instructions from the Commissioner’s office, including directions to then Deputy Commissioner Vaevaso to prepare and carry out the destruction.
The drugs were reportedly destroyed on 17 February 2024.
Tanangada said an internal inquiry file was later opened on 21 August 2024 as part of oversight processes. On 27 June 2025, the DPP issued further correspondence indicating the matter required further investigation.
He said that on 2 July 2025, the then Police Commissioner wrote to the Chair of the Police and Correctional Service Commission clarifying the chain of command, stating that Vaevaso acted on instructions based on the DPP’s advice.
“The same letter further stated that the removal and destruction of the drugs were carried out transparently and in good faith,” Tanangada said.
He added that the appointment process for the Police Commissioner proceeded separately through the constitutional pathway.
He said the position was advertised on 3 July 2025, with interviews conducted on 26 and 27 November 2025. The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet received the interim committee’s report on 16 December 2025, followed by constitutional consultation on 17 March 2026.
Tanangada stressed that the Police and Correctional Service Commission operate independently under sections 119 to 121 of the Constitution, with authority over appointments, discipline and removal of police officers.
He said the Commission does not act under the direction of the Minister or Ministry.
“The appointment of Mr Vaevaso as Commissioner of Police proceeded through the constitutional process,” he said.
Photo: Press Secretariat, OPMC
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