RSIPF and CPLT Launch Solomon Islands’ First Drug Testing SOP

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officially launched the country’s first Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for drug testing of suspects at Rove police headquarters on 20 November 2025.

The launching of the SOP marks a significant milestone in strengthening the nation’s capacity to combat rising drug-related crime.

As the first standardized document in the Solomon Islands that guides drug testing on human samples, the SOP represents a crucial step toward professionalizing and modernizing the country’s anti-drugs enforcement.

Its implementation is expected to provide RSIPF with a more reliable legal and procedural framework to address the growing challenges posed by methamphetamine, cannabis, and other illegal drugs.

Drug abuse and trafficking have emerged as pressing concerns across the Solomon Islands, posing threats not only to public safety but also to the well-being of families and communities.

RSIPF have repeatedly warned that the spread of methamphetamine and cannabis has contributed to secondary crimes, including violence and theft, eroding the foundations of social stability.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Crime and Intelligence Ms Patricia Leta said, “Drugs tear families apart and destroy the social fabric of our societies.”

Ms. Leta noted during the event, stressing the urgency of introducing professional and defensible procedures to support frontline policing.

To address these challenges, RSIPF has intensified its cooperation with CPLT. In response to RSIPF’s request, the CPLT provided technical consultation and experience-sharing based on China’s established expertise in drug enforcement. Working closely with RSIPF’s National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), the two sides jointly developed a new SOP for drug testing.

Director of the National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), Chief Superintendent John Foru, emphasized the importance of the initiative, which gives us greater confidence in our fight against drug crime. Deepening SI–China policing cooperation will bring stronger momentum to safeguarding the peace and security of the Solomon Islands.

The new SOP provides RSIPF officers with operational guidance on collecting and testing multiple types of samples, including urine, saliva, and blood.

Importantly, it reinforces safeguards for suspects’ legal rights, ensuring that every stage of enforcement can withstand legal scrutiny and public oversight. AC Leta and CPLT Commissioner Mr. Liu jointly officiated the SOP rollout.

Following the ceremony, the CPLT donated 450 sets of drug testing kits, capable of detecting five categories of drugs, including cannabis and morphine. As part of the practical cooperation, CPLT anti-drug expert, Superintendent Zhang Guangyao conducted hands-on training for a total of 14 investigators from different police stations in Honiara.

Through real-time demonstrations, officers learnt how to properly use the testing kits, enhancing RSIPF’s operational capabilities in drug detection and evidence collection.