AGP Executive Report

Drug Bust Links to Solomons: Australian police charged six men after seizing 120kg of cocaine and uncovering a clandestine lab in NSW, while a separate operation found 2.7 tonnes of cocaine buried in underground bunkers near Sydney—Australia’s biggest-ever haul—linked to a wider network and an alleged “mother vessel” detained in the Solomon Islands. Anti-Narcotics Oversight: Solomon Islands’ police chief Ian Vaevaso was suspended over a meth evidence scandal, with government saying the matter will move to an independent tribunal. National Banking Push: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says moves are underway to bring back the National Bank of Solomon Islands to expand rural financial services and credit. Honiara Airfares Under Fire: PM Matthew Wale warned Solomon Airlines it can’t rely on government support without a serious turnaround plan, citing unreliable schedules and high fares. Cybercrime Cooperation: Tonga joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative that also includes Solomon Islands, aiming to strengthen law enforcement responses to scams and ransomware. Climate & Food Security: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts, while Solomon Islands officials completed climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries training in China. Youth & Governance: Pacific youth leaders called for stronger roles in shaping democracy, with Solomon Islands among participants.

Pacific Fuel Crunch: Pacific leaders are leaning on the Biketawa Declaration as fuel shocks keep biting, with countries weighing tough conservation steps and rationing risks. Climate & Community: A Honiara tribe’s relocation story shows what climate change can mean on the ground—homes lost after flash floods, then moved to April Valley. El Niño Watch: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare now for El Niño impacts, warning that early action can protect families. Solomon Islands in Training: Solomon Islands officials and youth completed a 14-day climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries seminar in China, focused on smarter farming and aquaculture. Honiara Governance & Youth: A Pacific youth and democracy forum heard that young people remain underrepresented in decision-making, despite the region’s young population. Law & Order Link to the Pacific: Australia’s record 2.7 tonnes cocaine bust is tied to a network allegedly using Pacific routes, with police saying a “mother vessel” was detained in Solomon Islands. Local Economy Pressure: PM Matthew Wale tells Solomon Airlines it can’t rely on government support without a serious change plan, while also pushing lower costs to ease the cost of living. Sports & Culture: Grandmaster Nigel Short is set to visit Honiara to boost chess development, and Team Guadalcanal selection races for the Solomon Games 2026 are underway.

Drug Bust Links Back to Solomon Islands: Australian police say they’ve seized a record 2.7 tonnes of cocaine buried in underground bunkers beneath shipping containers at Londonderry, western Sydney, worth about A$816 million, arresting two men (21 and 25) and charging them with possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported drug; investigators allege the shipment was imported via Midge Point, Queensland, and moved to Sydney by an organised crime group, with an alleged “mother vessel” (MV Wealth) detained in the Solomon Islands as part of Operation Minjiang. Police Oversight Under Scrutiny: Solomon Islands’ police chief Ian Vaevaso has been suspended by the Governor-General over a methamphetamine evidence scandal, following reports of destroyed evidence and intimidation, with the matter set to move to an independent tribunal. China Security Debate: A senior Solomons minister says China-linked policing and security co-operation should be sidelined as the new government reviews a controversial security agreement and pushes a “reset” with Australia. Climate & Food Security: Solomon Islands officials and youth completed a 14-day climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries seminar in China, while SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts. Cost of Living & Local Business: PM Matthew Wale urged businesses to “agitate” against inefficiencies driving high costs, called for lower charges from major service providers, and warned Solomon Airlines must show a serious change plan to justify funding.

Drug Crime & Regional Security: Australia’s biggest cocaine bust has been linked to a suspected Solomon Islands connection, with AFP alleging 2.7 tonnes of cocaine (about $816m street value) was buried in underground bunkers at a Sydney property, and reporting that a “mother vessel” tied to the enterprise, MV Wealth, has been detained in the Solomon Islands; locally, RSIPF, Customs and Immigration also intercepted MV Wealth in Renbel, with authorities suspecting drug trafficking and tobacco smuggling. Governance & Accountability: Solomon Islands’ newly appointed police chief Ian Vaevaso has been suspended less than two months after concerns over mishandling of drug evidence, with an independent tribunal set to review allegations. Local Development & Services: Honiara’s Kulabule Jetty was commissioned to boost domestic shipping and inter-island trade, while Honiara City Council demolished the Taliseh betel nut market to improve road access and public safety. Health & Training: NDMO activated the national drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, and 163 probation nurses completed antenatal care training supported by KOICA/WHO. Education & Skills: Australia handed SINU TAFE training equipment worth over SBD170,000, and SINU began rolling out its 2026–2030 strategic plan. Sports & Community: Solomon Games preparations are in the final stretch, with medal incentives announced, and provincial health summit outcomes highlighted in Western Province.

Police & Justice: Solomon Islands’ newly appointed police chief Ian Vaevaso has been suspended less than two months after taking office, following allegations he mishandled meth evidence; an independent tribunal will now review the case. Maritime Security: RSIPF, Customs and Immigration intercepted the Belize-flagged cargo vessel MV Wealth in Renbel Province, suspected of drug trafficking and tobacco smuggling, with 19 crew taken into custody for further investigation. Road Safety: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, with World Bank support, wrapped up a national road safety action plan training and conference in Honiara, setting up the groundwork for a National Road Safety Council. Health & Training: 163 probation nurses completed antenatal care training supported by KOICA/WHO, while Australia handed SINU TAFE new equipment worth over SBD170,000 for building and carpentry students. Local Development: A new Kulabule jetty was commissioned to boost domestic shipping and inter-island trade, and Honiara City Council demolished the Taliseh betel nut market to improve safety and access. Sports & Community: Solomon Games 2026 preparations are in the final stretch for the “Rise Together” event, and the NSC announced medal incentives for athletes heading to the Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games Push: The National Sports Council announced medal incentives for Solomon Islands athletes, coaches and officials ahead of Glasgow 2026, aiming to let teams focus on preparation and performance. Solomon Games Countdown: “Rise Together” Games organisers say final preparations are in the home stretch for July 6–10, with provinces finishing selections and registrations. Road Safety Overhaul: MID, with World Bank support, wrapped up a three-year road safety training, council meeting and conference in Honiara, setting up the National Road Safety Council framework. Health Workforce Training: 163 probation nurses completed antenatal care training supported by KOICA through WHO, strengthening quality pregnancy services. Education & Skills: Australia handed SINU TAFE practical training equipment worth over SBD170,000 for building and carpentry students. Maritime & Trade: A new Kulabule jetty was commissioned to boost domestic shipping, reduce port congestion and strengthen inter-island trade. City Clean-Up & Order: Honiara stepped up single-use plastic enforcement and demolished the Taliseh betel nut market to improve safety and access. Security & Justice: The police chief Ian Vaevaso was suspended over a meth evidence scandal, while RSIPF and partners intercepted a suspected crime-linked vessel, MV Wealth, in Renbel.

Maritime Security: RSIPF, Customs and Immigration intercepted the Belize-flagged cargo vessel MV Wealth in Renbel, after months of tracking linked to transnational crime, with suspicions of drug trafficking and tobacco smuggling; 19 crew were taken into custody for further checks. Police Accountability: Solomon Islands’ newly appointed police chief Ian Vaevaso was suspended less than two months after taking office, following claims he mishandled meth evidence, intimidated officers and misled investigators—now headed to an independent tribunal. Disaster Preparedness: NDMO has activated the national drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, setting up a drought advisory group to monitor rainfall, water stress, agriculture and health impacts. Local Governance: PM Matthew Wale urged Honiara City Council to adopt a clear “livable city” vision, tackle congestion and strengthen basic services, including exploring a multi-storey car park at the Central Market. Environment & Enforcement: Honiara saw a two-day operation to enforce the single-use plastics ban, with banned items seized from businesses, while HCC demolished the Taliseh betel nut market citing safety and security concerns. Sports & Culture: Manusina 7s named for a key Olympic qualifier in November; Wan Fire music festival kicked off in PNG with Solomon, Fiji and Vanuatu artists. Education & Development: SINU began rolling out its 2026–2030 strategic plan, and health professionals left for Manaaki NZ scholarship training in Auckland.

Police Accountability: Solomon Islands has suspended newly appointed Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso less than two months after his appointment, following allegations he mishandled meth evidence; a tribunal has been set up to investigate. Maritime Crime Crackdown: RSIPF, Customs and Immigration intercepted the Belize-flagged cargo vessel MV WEALTH in Renbel Province, with preliminary suspicions of tobacco smuggling and drug trafficking. Road Safety Push: The National Road Safety Three-Years Action Plan training, council meeting and conference wrapped up in Honiara, setting up the National Road Safety Council’s role and priorities. City Planning: PM Matthew Wale urged Honiara City Council to adopt a clear, ambitious “livable city” vision, including steps to cut business costs and ease congestion. Regional Security Talks: Wale floated the idea of a Pacific-wide security agreement, arguing Pacific nations should lead responses to shared threats. Governance & Resources: Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare welcomed investigations into 33 bauxite shipments but insisted High Court proceedings must stay central for debt recovery. Economy & Trade: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo moved to cancel tax-exempt MOUs for companies in forestry, fisheries and mining. Culture & Tourism: Pacific Tourism Organisation backed Solomon Islands’ tourism agenda at Tourism Tok Stori in Honiara, stressing regional partnerships. Sports & Community: Uso Tasi Rugby Club announced an Independence Day Rugby Sevens tournament in July to keep competitions going. Science & Health: A Yale-led study reports Denisovan DNA variants still active in immune systems among Near Oceania populations including Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Police & Justice: Solomon Islands Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu has suspended Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso less than two months after his April appointment, following allegations he mishandled meth evidence, intimidated officers and lied to investigators; a tribunal will now investigate. Regional Security: PM Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands should explore a Pacific-wide security agreement, arguing regional issues must be led by Pacific nations first, while Australia and PNG back wider security cooperation. Crime Crackdown: RSIPF, Customs and Immigration intercepted the MV WEALTH in Renbel Province, linked to transnational crime; the vessel is tied to an Australia drug case involving a “mothership” and large cocaine/meth seizures. Road Safety: Honiara hosted the National Road Safety Council planning and training with World Bank support to strengthen crash reduction, enforcement and coordination. Local Governance & Cost of Living: Wale urged Honiara City Council to adopt a clear “livable Honiara” vision, cut business costs and improve basic services, including a proposed multi-storey car park at Central Market. Economy & Trade: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo moved to cancel MOUs tied to tax-exempt status for companies in forestry, fisheries and mining. Ports & Connectivity: Solomon Ports commissioned the new Kulabule Jetty to ease congestion and improve domestic shipping. Culture & Events: WAN FIRE Melanesian music festival is set for Port Moresby with Solomon Islands artists joining Fiji and Vanuatu acts.

Police Accountability: Solomon Islands Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu has suspended Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso, ordering a constitutional tribunal after allegations he destroyed drug evidence, intimidated officers and misled investigators—raising fresh questions about how the case was handled. Regional Security: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands will explore a Pacific-wide security pact, arguing security should be led by Pacific nations first, as he deepens ties with Australia and signals a review of the China security arrangement. Major Drug Bust Link: Australia’s Queensland police report six arrests over a cocaine and meth plot worth about A$100m, with a suspected “mothership” detained in Solomon Islands as part of Operation Minjiang. Governance & Corruption Watch: The government says Attorney-General Gabriel Suri will revisit the SIICAC Director General appointment process after concerns over the recruitment pathway. Economy & Services: PM Wale urged Our Telekom to lower service charges to ease cost-of-living pressures. Infrastructure: Solomon Ports commissioned the new Kulabule Jetty at Honiara Domestic Terminal, a SBD$28m project aimed at easing congestion and improving domestic shipping.

Police shake-up: Solomon Islands Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu has suspended Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso, setting up a constitutional tribunal after allegations were said to have been missed in the appointment process. Drug bust links to Solomon Islands: Australia charged six men over a cocaine and meth import ring worth about A$100m, with a suspected “mothership” detained in the Solomon Islands as part of the investigation. Security talks gain momentum: Australia and Papua New Guinea backed efforts to explore a regional security pact proposed by Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele, while Solomon Islands officials say security and development must move together. Regional leadership milestone: Vanuatu’s Dr Anna Naupa became the first woman to lead the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat. Governance and planning: CBSI launched procurement for a new eight-storey headquarters in Honiara, and Western Province Premier Billy Veo urged SINIIP projects be transparent and community-centred. Customs update: Solomon Islands Customs introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest data requirements for shipping and airline agents.

Disaster Readiness: The UN’s Pacific Resident Coordinator says disaster response works best when everyone is ready—state institutions pre-position supplies, civil society supports vulnerable groups, and communities lead local coping efforts, with drills and scenario exercises key to faster action. Climate Warning: Solomon Islands Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu called climate change the country’s “most existential threat,” pointing to shoreline loss, saltwater intrusion and unpredictable weather, urging a shift from survival to adaptation. Pacific Security Push: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale has floated a Pacific-wide security pact in Canberra, while Solomon Islands ministers stress security and development must move together and China says it respects Pacific sovereignty. Customs Update: Solomon Islands Customs introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest data rules from June 16, requiring extra “Notify” details and carrier TINs to improve shipment tracking. Infrastructure Planning: Western Province Premier Billy Veo says SINIIP projects must be transparent, inclusive and community-centred, and CBSI has begun procurement for an eight-storey headquarters designed to meet Australian, New Zealand and local seismic standards. Sports & Community: Para-powerlifter Moffat Tolomae qualifies for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games; Guadalcanal gears up for provincial games; and World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge will fund help for hungry children in Solomon Islands.

Climate & Resilience: Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu says climate change is Solomon Islands’ “most existential threat”, pointing to eroding shorelines, saltwater intrusion and unpredictable weather, and urging a shift from survival to adaptation through climate-resilient infrastructure, mangrove protection and freshwater security. Pacific Security: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale has floated a Pacific-wide security pact in Canberra, pushing for a “Pacific-led” security architecture and signalling a review of the China-Solomons security deal, while Minister Peter Kenilorea Jr reiterates that security and development must move together. Regional Crime Focus: Palau’s Justice Minister Jennifer Olegeriil says Pacific security pledges must become real action for frontline law enforcement, with stronger intelligence-sharing and border cooperation. Local Governance & Planning: Western Province Premier Billy Veo stresses transparent, inclusive implementation of the SINIIP, while SINIIP consultations continue in Gizo. Customs Update: Solomon Islands Customs introduces new ASYCUDA World manifest requirements from June 16 for shipping and airline agents. Economy & Infrastructure: CBSI begins procurement for a new eight-storey headquarters designed to Australian/New Zealand seismic and building standards. Sports: Guadalcanal gears up for the Provincial Games next week as preparations intensify toward the Solomon Games. Environment & Land Use: Aarahau Forest Protected Area Association submits its boundary map and land use plan after four years of work. People & Capacity: FFA opens scholarship nominations for fisheries enforcement training in September. Aviation: Solomon Airlines receives an international licence for the Honiara–Port Moresby–Honiara route.

China-Pacific Platforms: China briefed diplomats in Nanjing on seven multilateral cooperation platforms, saying they’ve boosted climate, disaster response, agriculture, poverty work and police training across Pacific island countries, including Solomon Islands. UXO Danger: A new documentary screened at Doc Edge highlights how unexploded WWII bombs still kill and injure people in Solomon Islands, with calls for urgent cleanup. Solomon Airlines Licence: Solomon Airlines has received an international airline licence from PNG to operate the Honiara–Port Moresby–Honiara route. Governance & Youth: UNDP says it will back Solomon Islands’ electoral readiness for 2028, strengthen provincial governance and push youth participation in politics, while also supporting re-entry to EITI for extractive transparency. Security Debate: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale floated a Pacific-wide security pact idea in Canberra, while SINU VC Dr Transform Aqorau warned regionalism must deliver measurable results. Environment & Community: MECDM and UNDP-backed efforts focus on coastal protection, waste reduction, and climate early warning support. Sports: Auki Capital League is set to kick off in June, and PNG booked its OFC U19 spot with a 5-1 win over Cook Islands.

Aviation & Connectivity: Solomon Airlines has received an International Airline Licence from Papua New Guinea’s Department of Transport, authorising scheduled Honiara–Port Moresby–Honiara services, with the licence handed over in Port Moresby on June 12. Governance & Democracy: Governor-General Tiva Kapu urged Solomon Islanders to protect democracy and respond urgently to climate change, youth unemployment and drug abuse after the nation’s recent political impasse. Security & Regional Strategy: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale has floated a Pacific-wide security pact in talks with Australia, while also signalling a “Pacific-led” approach and reviewing the China-Solomons security agreement. Justice Sector Cooperation: A PNG–Solomon Islands twinning program is set to strengthen prosecution services, with practical training on cybercrime, financial crimes, corruption and family/sexual violence. Environment & Community Action: MECDM officials say Honiara’s coastal pollution is tied to poor waste management, calling for daily responsibility and the “Three Rs.” Youth & Development: UNDP highlights youth participation ahead of 2028 elections and backs stronger provincial governance and rural, climate-resilient infrastructure. Sports: PNG booked its place at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa after a 5-1 win over the Cook Islands.

Everyday Security in the Pacific: A Niue minister told the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Fiji that threats aren’t only about geopolitics—roaming dogs, community safety, climate change and illegal fishing are keeping leaders “awake at night.” Justice Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands are launching a twinning program to strengthen prosecution services, with hands-on training on cybercrime, financial crimes, corruption, and family and sexual violence. Court Fight in Honiara: Solomon Islands’ Attorney-General says the new Coalition’s court challenge to force Parliament to sit is a “futile exercise,” as the case returns for a strike-out application. Youth, Governance and Elections: UNDP is pushing for stronger youth participation in politics and is backing Solomon Islands’ electoral readiness ahead of the 2028 polls. Environment and Waste: MECDM says Honiara’s coastal pollution is driven by poor waste management, urging residents to embrace the “Three Rs.” Sports and Community Life: Auki Capital League is set to kick off in June, while the FIFA World Cup fan parade brought crowds together for a peaceful start to the tournament. Aviation Update: Solomon Airlines has been granted an international airline license to operate scheduled services between Honiara and Port Moresby.