BY MORRIS NAFU

The illegal drug Methamphetamine (Meth) has been reported in Kirakira, with rising concerns over its spread to the provinces.
Makira-Ulawa Provincial Secretary Christopher Waiwori issued a strong call yesterday [Jan 28] for Government and Border Security authorities in Honiara to implement enhanced measures for detecting illegal drugs in all personal items and belongings of traveling passengers, whether at wharves or airports.
This appeal comes in the wake of recent reports highlighting illegal drug activities in the province, particularly in Kirakira town.
Waiwori described the situation as a “wake-up call” for the Provincial Government, law-enforcement agencies, and the general public across Kirakira and the broader Makira Ulawa Province.
Waiwori in a statement yesterday confirmed credible reports and growing concerns that illegal drugs, including methamphetamine commonly known as Meth or “Ice” are now circulating within Kirakira.
Claims suggest that some of these substances are being mixed or concealed in everyday consumer products, such as Colgate toothpaste and other items.
“This situation poses a grave threat to public safety, health, and social order, particularly to our youth, students, and vulnerable members of our communities,” Waiwori warned.
He emphasized that possession of illegal drugs is a criminal offense, reminding the public that anyone found possessing, supplying, distributing, manufacturing or preparing to manufacture methamphetamine without a lawful license will face prosecution under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 98) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Act (Cap. 105).
Waiwori noted that Kirakira Police intensified operations last week, leading to the arrest of several suspected youths.
Investigations have revealed that the illegal drugs are being transported from Honiara to Kirakira, raising fears that the substances may have already spread to other communities within Makira Ulawa.
In response, the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government in collaboration with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Kirakira, plans to introduce strict measures to address, manage, and control the further spread of these illegal drugs in the province.
Waiwori also highlighted that marijuana usage remains an ongoing issue, with the RSIPF Makira set to conduct surprise spot checks in and around Kirakira to curb this activity.
“Addressing this illegal drug issue requires not only strengthening coordination with the Kirakira Police and law enforcement agencies, but also the cooperation of everyone from households to communities through awareness and prevention measures and most importantly, support for enforcement and intelligence gathering initiatives,” Waiwori said.
The provincial authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities to help combat this growing threat.