BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Government says the investigation into allegations involving newly appointed Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso has been concluded.
Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services Jimson Tanangada said this during a press conference on Saturday, following public concerns surrounding the case and Vaevaso’s appointment.
“It is my understanding as Minister that we have complied with all processes and have concluded it,” Tanangada said.
He said Vaevaso’s appointment as Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force was made without any legal impediment.
The allegations against Vaevaso related to the alleged improper destruction of drug evidence, intimidation of officers, and providing false information during investigations. The matter had previously drawn public attention due to delays and disagreements between prosecuting authorities and oversight bodies.
Attorney General John Muria Jnr said legal procedures required that any disciplinary action against senior police officers must be referred through the Police and Correctional Service Commission.
“In terms of law, only the Police and Correctional Service Commission is allowed to deal with such matters. There must be a formal disciplinary referral,” he said.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Karen Galokale said the case file was returned to the Commissioner’s office for further consideration.
She said the Commissioner, in his response, referred to earlier correspondence from the former Police Commissioner dated 2 July 2025, which clarified the chain of command in relation to the destruction of drugs.
She said Vaevaso was acting under instructions at the time, supported by advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions dated 15 January 2024.
“The actions undertaken by Mr Vaevaso were carried out under instruction and in accordance with police procedures and the DPP’s advice,” Galokale said.
She added that the destruction of the drugs followed established procedures within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
The Government maintains that the matter has now been fully addressed through internal processes and constitutional procedures.
Photo credit: Press Secretariat, OPMC
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