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Ship seized for smuggling and drug trafficking
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Solomon Islands Customs, and Immigration conducted a joint operation working with international authorities in the apprehension of the 'Wealth', which was suspected of an involvement in transnational organised criminal activities. The ship has been brought to Honiara, on the island of Guadalcanal, for further investigations on June 19, 2026. The authorities had been tracking the vessel’s movements since April after intelligence reports indicated suspicious movements and activities consistent with organised criminal operations at sea. The Australian Border Force, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), and other regional law enforcement partners had also become suspicious of the vessel. The vessel was suspected of drug trafficking, tobacco smuggling, and other forms of maritime transnational crime. The 19 crew members were taken into custody. They wee believed to have come from China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. However, the authorities have been unable to verify the identities and nationalities of all crew members due to the absence of a complete and legitimate crew manifest, which was part of the ongoing investigation. Inquiries have revealed that two support tender vessels associated with the 'Wealth' remained unaccounted for, with the search ongoing. Intelligence assessments indicate a strong possibility that these vessels may have been utilised to transport illicit cargo to other destinations within the Pacific region, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and potentially Australia. Investigators are also examining the movement of a suspected support vessel and fast craft that gad arrived at the Noro Marina Wharf on May 8 and departed on May 12, without the knowledge or clearance of Customs, Immigration, or police authorities. A Chinese national may have been left behind during this period. These developments have raised further questions regarding the vessel's activities and potential links to illicit cargo transfers. Investigations into the 'Wealth' and its associated activities were ongoing. The authorities conducted a comprehensive examination of the vessel, its documentation, cargo, crew, and any potential links to broader criminal networks operating across the region.
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