Customs calls for stronger border enforcement powers to fully tackle Methamphetamine and illicit drugs entry problem
BY NED GAGAHE
Solomon Islands Customs and Excise call for enhanced border enforcement capacity, warning that tougher drug laws must be matched with stronger operational readiness at the country’s ports and maritime entry points.
Appearing before the Bills and Legislation Committee yesterday, Supervising Comptroller John Lagi said Customs supports the proposed amendment to Section 39(2)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act under the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025.
However, he said that effective implementation will depend on improved intelligence, training and interagency coordination.
Mr Lagi told the committee that intelligence-led targeting will become increasingly important, particularly given the geographic vulnerabilities of the Solomon Islands.
With dispersed islands, extensive marine borders, and numerous informal shipping routes, Lagi said border surveillance must be strengthened to prevent the country from being exploited as a trafficking route.
“As the primary border control authority, Customs plays a central role in detecting and prohibiting illicit drug importations,” he said.
He said that enhanced inspection at ports and maritime entry points would be required to support the amended legislation.
Mr Lagi said there is need for closer operational coordination with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure investigations and prosecutions meet the higher threshold expected under tougher sentencing provisions.
Customs has recommended the development of clear implementation guidelines and joint operational planning ahead of the law’s commencement.
Given the severity of the proposed penalties, Customs warns that evidence handling standards must be strengthened.
He said strict chain-of-custody procedures will need to be enforced to safeguard prosecutions, particularly in cases involving large-scale trafficking operations.
The Supervising Comptroller said that officers must be prepared for more complex court proceedings and heightened scrutiny of investigative processes.
Lagi also flagged the need for capacity building within the organisation.
This includes specialised training for frontline officers, updates to standard operating procedures, and possible revisions to the list of prohibited drugs under the Customs Act to ensure alignment with the amended legislation.
If enacted, the amendment would significantly increase maximum penalties for serious drug trafficking offences and introduce life imprisonment as a sentencing option.
He said the operational upgrades it has outlined are essential to ensuring that stronger penalties translate into effective enforcement at the border.
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