Drug Abuse in the Global Village
Drug Abuse in Asia
Solomon Islands

EXTENT, PATTERNS AND TRENDS IN DRUG ABUSE

Extent of Drug Abuse

Solomon Islands does not have any significant drug abuse problem. It is suspected that cannabis is cultivated or imported for personal use (Solomon 1993).

Abuser Characteristics

No information reported by 31st December 1993.

Regional Variations

No information reported by 31st December 1993.

Trends

No information reported by 31st December 1993.

Mode of intake

No information reported by 31st December 1993.

COSTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF ABUSE

No information reported by 31st December 1993.

ACTION TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL TREATIES*

Treaty adherence

Solomon Islands is party to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs as amended by the 1972 Protocol.

NATIONAL RESPONSES TO DRUG ABUSE

National Strategy

Solomon Islands does not have an independent body for drug abuse control (Pacific 1993). The Police and Customs enforce the drug abuse laws (Solomon 1993).

Solomon Islands is working closely with the Australian and New Zealand Police and Customs on exchange of information on trafficking. "Project Cook" was set up with the active role of the U.S. Customs (Solomon 1993).

DEMAND REDUCTION ACTIVITIES

Primary Prevention

No information reported by 31st December 1993.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

No information reported by 31st December 1993.

SUPPLY REDUCTION ACTIVITIES

Arrests, Convictions and types of Offences

An Australian citizen and a Solomon Islander were arrested and sentenced for planting and growing cannabis. A Solomon Islander was arrested and sentenced in Australia for heroin trafficking (Solomon 1993).

During 1991 and 1992, 9 cases for trafficking and 24 cases for drug abuse were recorded, but no arrests were made (Pacific 1993).

Seizures

About 4.5 tonnes of cannabis was reported seized which was found buried in a remote island (Solomon 1993).

During 1991 and 1992, 9 cases were recorded for trafficking which ended up in confiscation (Pacific 1993).

Supply Sources of Drugs

Cannabis or Indian Hemp has been introduced into the Solomon Islands by expatriates (Solomon 1993).

It is reported that Solomon Islands is being used as a transit point for drug trafficking to Australia (Solomon 1993).

References and notes

* The Legal, Administrative and Other Action Taken to Implement the International Drug Control Treaties section was prepared by the Secretariat of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs based on Annual Reports Questionnaires for the years .... (not yet received from CND)

Pacific 1993. Workshop on National Focal Points on Drug Abuse Demand Reduction: Pacific Countries. Country Paper Solomon Islands. 1993.

Solomon 1993. Country paper, Solomon Islands. Bangkok, Thailand. 1-4 February 1993.