NO decision has yet been made on how 1,145 boxes of illegally imported tobacco products seized in September 2012 are to be disposed.
The products are being kept at the Customs Queen warehouse at Point Cruz.
Earlier this year, top government officials reportedly attempted to remove the products out from the warehouse but Customs prevented them from doing so.
The tobacco consignment was seized on arrival because they contravened the Tobacco Control Act, which requires warning signs to be printed on tobacco products before they can be sold.
Their packaging and graphic specifications fail to meet the required packaging standards under the new tobacco regulations.
Chairman of the Tobacco regulations taskforce Dr Cedrick Alependava told the Solomon Star they are yet to meet to decide on what steps to take regarding the confiscated products.
Dr Alepandava said as soon as their committee meet over this issue they should let the public know of their decision.
Earlier this year while Dr Christopher Becha was acting permanent secretary, he has signed a letter to one of the companies importing the illegal tobacco products, Oceanic Oasis Co. Limited to give them the permission to print tobacco warning signs in pijin to paste on the cigarette packets.
But the letter was later revoked by the ministry.
The tobacco products could have earned the government $21 million in duties.
Dr Alependava said his committee will meet before compiling their report to submit it to the permanent secretary and minister.
Meanwhile, an observer said he feared the long silence by authorities over the matter would result in these products ending up on shelves in the shops.
“Health authorities have to stand strong in this matter. We’ve had enough of politicians poking their noses into issues like this,” he said.
The Solomon Star was reliably told certain politicians and individuals have approached Customs to release the consignment following the letter from the health earlier this year
However, Customs stood their ground and refused the request.
But health authorities when asked said the tobacco products are still held by Customs.
The comptroller was not available to comment yesterday but said in an earlier statement that unless they receive directives from the health authority, the products will remain untouched.
By DANIEL NAMOSUAIA
