Wale urges authorities to crack down on drugs entry through sufferance wharves

Leader of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has expressed serious concerns following revelations that drugs have been entering the country through the sufferance wharves.

Hon Wale during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Hearing questioned the Police Commissioner how and where drugs are entering the country.

The Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Service appeared before the Public Accounts Committee today.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau revealed that drugs are entering the country through the seaports in Honiara, especially the sufferance wharves.

Hon Wale said these revelations are appalling and exposes serious gaps in the different law enforcement agencies manning our seaports.

The Opposition Leader said there is a serious legislative gap that needs immediate attention by government authorities.

He said there needs to be robust collaboration between police and customs to crack down and track the vessels and people bringing in these drugs.

“Government response in updating and amending the penal code to prosecute people in possession with drugs must be brought to Parliament in the next sitting,” Hon Wale said.

He said there must be harsh penalties on the amendment on the penal code to prosecute people smuggling, in possession and selling drugs in the country.

The Opposition Leader said the drug situation in the country is critical and has gone from bad to worse.

He recommended that police must also look into the possibility of bringing in dog squads as part of its policy.

Commissioner Mangau said this has been discussed with New Zealand police but maintaining dog squads will be quite expensive for the government.

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Opposition office statement