BY NED GAGAHE

Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Jimson Tanangada says the Government is taking strong, coordinated steps to address security concerns surrounding the Suffrage Wharves and the rising threat of illicit drugs entering the country.

Speaking during the Prime Minister’s Press Conference with local media on Friday November 28, 2025, Tanangada acknowledged the public debate and media scrutiny over the wharves in recent months.

He confirmed that a multi-agency taskforce, led by the Ministry of Finance and supported by the Prime Minister’s Office and other key departments, has completed its report on the matter.

“The report has now been finalised. It will come to Caucus on Tuesday (December 2, 2025),” Tanangada said.

He said the Government is anticipating the report’s recommendations, which span several sectors including policing and customs.

“We cannot pre-empt what is in the report, but we look forward to addressing this very important issue, especially in terms of security considerations and drugs potentially entering our country through the ports or other channels,” the Minister told journalists.

Tanangada said that once Caucus and Cabinet review the report, the Government will act on the recommendations and determine how best to strengthen national security at the wharves.

The Police Minister also expanded on the Prime Minister’s remarks, stressing that the government is taking the entry of illicit drugs into Solomon Islands very seriously.

He revealed ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Health to repeal or review the Drugs Act, aiming to strengthen the legal framework and introduce tougher penalties.

“We are supporting the Ministry of Health to make the necessary repeal or review of the Drugs Act… so we have strong punitive measures against people involved,” Tanangada said.

He added that the Minister of Health has already signed off on the process, which will not only enhance police powers but also ensure courts can impose harsher sentences on individuals involved in drug trafficking, smuggling, or sale.

“It will not come easy on them. This Government is serious about addressing the entry of illegal drugs into our country,” he stressed.

Tanangada reaffirmed that law enforcement agencies—particularly the RSIPF—will continue to tighten surveillance and enforcement as part of the Government’s broader national security strategy.

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