BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has raised serious concern over what he describes as a lack of reliable information within government agencies about the source and entry points of methamphetamine (Meth) drugs into the country.
Mr Wale raised the concern during the inquiry into the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 where representatives from the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) and Goodwood and Pengiun wharf operators appeared before the Bills and Legislation Committee.
“And so, we’re all pitching in the dark. Nobody knows where this is coming from and where it’s coming through. And it’s a big problem,” Mr Wale told the representatives.
Mr Wale revealed that even law enforcement agencies appear uncertain about the origin and movement of drugs into the country.
He said that recent evidence presented by a senior police officers during the inquiry had raised further concerns about internal challenges within the police force.
“We expected that they would know, but they haven’t a clue. While the Ministry of Health deals with the social consequences of drug abuse, it is not responsible for tracking trafficking networks or to enforce the law,” he said.
He said he had hoped maritime authorities and wharf operators would provide clearer insights into how drugs may be entering through ports, but their responses were largely unreliable.
“We don’t know whether the proposals contained in this Bill are fit for purpose, are adequate,” Wale said.
He also referenced submissions from the National Youth congress who appeared before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC).
“According to their testimony, methamphetamine pills are being sold locally for as much as $300 per pill. However, even basic information such as the weight of a pill was unclear. They didn’t know. This is a very serious problem,” Mr Wale said.
He voiced the need for evidence-based policymaking to ensure that the proposed amendments are adjusted for maximum effectiveness.
“If we did know, then we could make recommendations and perhaps even strengthen the proposals,” he added.
The Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 seeks to significantly increase penalties for drug trafficking and related offences.
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