BY LORETTA B MANELE
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale says those caught bringing in Methamphetamine to Solomon Islands should not be rehabilitated, but rather, face maximum penalty.
He was reacting to Acting Police Commissioner for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Mathias Lenialu’s presentation during the hearing of the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) yesterday.
In his presentation, Lenialu mentioned that imprisoned people could still make useful contributions to society.
“The RSIPF’s view is that the possibility of rehabilitation of minor possession of offences by the first-time offenders should be preserved,” he said.
Wale said he notes the police commissioner’s comments about rehabilitation but questions why those bringing in the drug should be rehabilitated.
“I note your comments about rehabilitation, but why would we rehabilitate those caught bringing in meth?” Wale asked.
He said they really need to go down hard on this meth issue and if they have data, they would be better informed.
Wale mentioned that this is just the beginning, and if it’s beginning to pick up, a hard no approach is needed.
He said if this issue goes to the point where we have a lot of people addicted, then of course health considerations and rehabilitation will inform policy.
However, the Opposition Leader said if this issue is still in its early stage, we should not talk about rehabilitation but about tougher laws for those who bring meth into the country.
Wale also stressed on the 15million maximum fine for those found bringing in meth.
“This 15million maximum fine, is it deterrent enough for the kind of people who are trafficking these kinds of things through our waters?
“If we catch them, is 15m enough? I doubt it,” he said.
Photo: Supplied
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I support opposition leader maximum punishment should be imposed upon drug traffickers as a deterrent and clear messages for those involved in the criminal trade