[Published on Friday, March 6, 2026]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Opposition Leader Mathew Wale has expressed concern that key enforcement agencies remain uncertain about how methamphetamine (Meth) drugs are entering the country, describing the situation as “sitting in the dark”.
He made the statement during the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) hearing into the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 last month when he addressed representatives from Solomon Ports Authority (SIPA), the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands, and Leroy wharf.
“The police were here before and then Customs, and going on the data they have collected, we should have no problem. They’re talking about grams to kilograms of drugs going through this country,” Mr Wale said.
He said that officials had reported five or six incidents, yet methamphetamine use is now widely reported.
“But we know the use of meth is now widespread, so it’s coming somewhere. And if you don’t know, I don’t know who should know.
“We’re trying to make policy responses and make law, but we’re all feeling in the dark, because you’re in the dark. You’re sitting in the dark, all of you,” Wale said.
He challenged authorities to provide clearer insight into trafficking routes and enforcement gaps so that parliament’s response could be properly calibrated.
“We should see the picture clear so that we know what we’re talking about and our response is calibrated to make sure it is adequate,” Wale said.
Mr Wale also questioned whether the proposed penalties under the amendment would be sufficient to deter major traffickers.
He said that the Bill proposes significantly increased fines, including penalties of up to $15 million and life imprisonment for certain offences.
However, he argued that such measures may not be effective in practice.
“Our lifetime here is not a lifetime, suggesting that remission and pardon processes could result in early release,” he said.
He also said that he doubted whether a $15 million fine would deter individuals moving kilograms or tons of drugs across the country.
“For us it’s big money. But someone who is moving kilograms or tons of stuff through, $15 million Solomon dollars is probably not consequential,” he said.
Mr Wale said that the amendment appeared too narrow in scope while acknowledging that administrative collaboration and security platforms are important.
“This amendment looks straightforward and simple, but it betrays a lack of depth in the approach they have taken. It’s not responding to broader issues,” he said.
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