Police Respond to Narco-Sub Report, Urge Citizens to Report Suspicious Vessels

By Lachlan Eddie

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has confirmed the discovery of a suspected narco-submarine in North-East Malaita, marking the third of such finds in the country.

Police Media confirmed the discovery to SIBC News today, following reports from the region about the vessel.

Police found 300-millilitre water bottles inside the vessel, but no engine was attached, no drugs were found, and the fuel tank was empty.

It said the submarine was towed by two men from Fourau Village to Manasu’u Village, where it was left floating off-shore.

Police are appealing to citizens across the country to immediately contact authorities if they discover suspicious vessels in Solomon Islands waters, so that proper safety checks can be conducted for the protection of local communities.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed that a meeting between the Attorney General’s Chambers, stakeholders, and police was conducted to review drug laws that currently have gaps in addressing illicit drug activity in the country.

Prime Minister Manele made this statement at a recent press conference in Honiara when asked whether he and his government were aware of the narco-submarine discovery in Malaita Province.

“We do have legal gaps. A good number of our legislations are outdated. As we speak, the AG Chambers are meeting right now with other stakeholders, including police, to look at these gaps and quickly come up with amendments to the current outdated legislation,” Prime Minister Manele said.

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