Methamphetamine trafficking from Fiji was highlighted in a recent parliamentary hearing in the Solomon Islands, revealing significant challenges in addressing drug offenses due to legislative gaps. The incident, which occurred in 2024, involved an airline passenger who was intercepted at a local airport following a collaborative operation between police and customs authorities.
According to a report from Solomons Business Magazine, the hearing focused on proposed changes to the Solomon Islands Dangerous Drugs Act and underscored Fiji’s increasing role as an origin point for transnational drug trafficking. The passenger, an expatriate, was allegedly carrying the drug on behalf of a Solomon Islander residing in Fiji, intending to deliver it to a local contact upon arrival.
Acting on advanced intelligence and a tip-off from Fiji Police, customs authorities successfully intercepted the passenger, seizing a packet containing approximately 15.5 grams of methamphetamine. Forensic testing later confirmed the substance as methamphetamine. Notably, the passenger had declared on his arrival card that he was transporting the packet for someone in the Solomon Islands.
During the hearing, it was revealed that the individual who purportedly sent the drugs from Fiji had been booked on the same flight but chose not to board, instead opting to send the package with the other passenger. Despite the successful seizure, no legal action was taken against the parties involved due to existing legislative gaps that did not adequately cover methamphetamine offenses at that time.
The committee learned that this incident was not an isolated case; customs authorities noted multiple methamphetamine-related occurrences, including another joint operation at a yacht club waterfront, where a substantial quantity of drugs was discovered. This highlights the increasing concern regarding drug trafficking in the region and the pressing need for legislative reform to effectively combat the issue and enhance public safety.