Police Officers Trained on Handling Drug-Related Crimes

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More than 20 officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) from the Central Police Station (CPS) and the Police Prosecution Department have completed specialized training on how to respond to drug-related crimes.

The training, facilitated by the China Police Liaison Team (CPLT), focused on strengthening the practical capabilities of RSIPF officers in anti-narcotics operations.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) of National Capital and Crime Prevention, Simpson Pogeava, said the program provided officers with key insights into dealing with emerging drug threats.

“The training modules included the classification of new types of drugs, an introduction to drug-related plants, methods of investigating and combating drug crimes, and the proper use of drug detection reagents,” AC Pogeava explained.

He added that CPLT facilitators also emphasized the serious harms drug abuse poses to individuals, families, and society at large.

“Drawing on China’s governance experience, while aligning with Solomon Islands’ legal framework and crime patterns, CPLT introduced an integrated ‘Detection–Control–Awareness’ model for combating drug-related crimes,” he said, noting that the approach strongly resonated with participants and enhanced their response capacity.

Police are also working with stakeholders to address gaps in the country’s drug legislation.

Criminal Investigation Officer (CIO) at CPS, Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Zachariah Salopuka, said the training came at a critical time.

“The rising incidence of drug crimes in the Solomon Islands has become a major threat to community safety,” SSgt Salopuka said. “This training has significantly improved the professional skills of our officers and provided new perspectives for tackling drug-related crimes.”

The initiative marks a new milestone in cooperation between the CPLT and RSIPF, with the shared goal of safeguarding communities and building a drug-free Solomon Islands.