[Published on Friday, March 6, 2026]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI) has warned that vulnerable entry points within the aviation system could facilitate the smuggling of dangerous drugs into the country, despite existing security measures.
Brian Halisanau made the statement when appearing before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) during its inquiry into the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 last month.
Mr Halisanau said while civil aviation service providers are responsible for preventing dangerous articles including illicit drugs from being introduced onto aircraft, there remain gaps that could be exploited.
“The current amendment concerns the introduction of dangerous drugs into the country. For civil aviation, threats are mitigated through entry point security control measures of neighbouring states. However, vulnerable points can also facilitate entry,” he said.
He identified insider threats, limited surveillance of general aviation, and intermodal transport as areas of concern.
He said that general aviation private and non-commercial flights poses monitoring challenges, particularly when aircrafts enter from remote locations.
He also highlighted scenarios where individuals may enter Solomon Islands by outboard motorboat or yacht before using domestic flights to transport drugs to Honiara.
“These are areas where we recognise there is room for improvement,” Mr Halisanau said.
He said there is need to strengthen airline agent capacity at outer airports to ensure baseline security screening measures are effectively implemented.
According to Mr Halisanau, standard aviation security measures include the screening of passengers, cabin baggage, checked baggage and cargo for commercial aircraft both departing and arriving in Solomon Islands.
“The screening of persons, their cabin baggage, hold baggage as well as cargo are fundamental measures that are adopted,” he said.
He said that CAASI also supports increasing penalties under the proposed amendment, saying tougher punishment would act as a deterrent to smugglers and others involved in drug-related offences.
“It will serve as a strong deterrent for the public and smugglers, controlling behaviours that threaten Solomon Islands society,” he said.
However, he said that enforcement alone is not sufficient.
“CAASI is advocating for a mix of screening methods that specifically target drug detection, as well as strengthened joint intelligence systems among relevant authorities,” he said.
Mr Halisanau said that such procedures are already provided for under the Solomon Islands National Civil Aviation Security Programme, which brings together stakeholders responsible for aviation security.
He said continued coordination and system improvements would be critical to prevent aviation channels from being exploited for drug trafficking.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
