Validation Workshop on Dangerous Drugs Act Review Concludes in Honiara
Honiara, Solomon Islands — A full-day Validation Workshop on the review of the Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 98) was successfully held on April 17, 2025, at the Heritage Park Hotel. The event was convened by the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) with support from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), and the Australia Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice (ASIPJ).
The Workshop brought together key stakeholders from across government agencies, law enforcement, and health sectors to validate the findings of the Review Report and to deliberate on the next steps toward modernizing the country’s drug legislation.
In her opening remarks, Permanent Secretary for MPNSCS, Ms. Karen Galokale, highlighted the urgent need for legislative reform, stating:
“The Dangerous Drugs Act in its current form no longer reflects the scope or complexity of the drug-related issues we face today — from the growing presence of synthetic substances to the need for health-based approaches to drug dependency. We must update our laws to reflect the realities on the ground and ensure they are both effective and efficient in dealing with various issues, whether it be health or from national security perspectives.”
The Review Report, presented by Legal Policy Specialist Ms. Joanna Kenilorea-Hanu, outlined key findings that included outdated definitions, limited penalties, and the lack of modern provisions for treatment, coordination, and harm reduction.
This validation workshop follows the initial Roundtable Conference held in December 2024 and marks the conclusion of the consultation phase. Since December, consultations have expanded to include high-level input from the Chief Justice, Chief Magistrate, Commissioner of Police, and MHMS medical personnel, ensuring a whole-of-government approach to the reform process.
Participants at the Workshop engaged in rich dialogue and provided feedback on key elements of the Review Report, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the country’s response to illicit drugs and enhancing inter-agency cooperation.
ASIPJ Program Manager Mr. Apolosi Bose was also acknowledged for his leadership and support, alongside the technical contribution of Ms. Kenilorea-Hanu, whose work has been instrumental in guiding the review process.
This workshop signals a major step forward in Solomon Islands’ efforts to modernise its drug legislation in line with contemporary best practices and to ensure it adequately supports both enforcement efforts and public health responses.
Ends///