Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has confirmed that the government is working urgently to address existing legal gaps that hinder the effective prosecution of cases involving methamphetamine (meth) and other illicit drugs.
The move follows revelations by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Andrew Kelesi, who highlighted to SBM that current laws only cover the importation, exportation, and transportation of dangerous drugs. Critically, the law does not criminalize the possession, supply, or manufacturing of substances such as methamphetamine.
“This means that under existing law, it is not illegal to possess or even manufacture methylamphetamine in Solomon Islands,” Kelesi said, following the arrest of a foreign national allegedly found in possession of the drug.
Speaking at a press conference Monday, Prime Minister Manele acknowledged that there are significant legal gaps in “a good number of our legislations.”
“As we speak now, the Attorney General’s Chambers, together with other stakeholders including the police, are looking at these gaps,” the Prime Minister said.
“This is our priority, and we want to quickly bring the necessary amendments to Parliament—hopefully by the end of this year, or if not, during the first session next year,” he added.
Manele said the government aims to modernize outdated laws to ensure stronger measures can be taken against those involved in the production and distribution of illegal drugs.
