GOVERNMENT agencies responsible for inspecting goods entering and leaving Solomon Islands have reported that no human organs have been discovered.
This comes in response to recent rumors about attempted child kidnappings for the purpose of organ trafficking.
In a press Conference held in Cabinet Room on Monday 21 October, Chief Immigration Officer Arnold Horesi responded to the rumors.
Mr Horesi said there was no evidence of human organ trafficking activities in the country.
He explained that human trafficking is a recognized problem in Solomon Islands, typically involving labor and sexual exploitation.
Mr Horesi said while organ trafficking is a form of human trafficking in some regions, it usually involves consent and financial compensation for organ harvesting.
However, there have been no confirmed cases of organ removal in Solomon Islands.
Police investigations conducted in the past have not uncovered any incidents, and while rumors have resurfaced, there is no new evidence to support these claims.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Dr Samson Viulu also confirmed that the biosecurity team, which is responsible for inspecting biological specimens, has not found any human organs.
He noted that biosecurity inspections cover a wide range of items, including animal parts, plants, and other living organisms, but no human body parts have been detected.
“We regularly conduct physical inspections of specimens leaving the country, and so far, we’ve only seen plant parts and dry crop products. No body parts like toes, feet, hearts, or lungs have been exported,” Dr Viulu stated.
He urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors and to allow communities to live in peace, asking people to reduce unfounded claims circulating on social media.
Attorney General John Muria Jr, who is also the chairman of the Anti-Money Laundering Commission, reiterated that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) monitors unusual financial transactions.
Suspicious activity, such as sudden large transfers of money, is investigated by the FIU, which then reports to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) for further action.
Mr Muria stressed that thorough investigations are conducted whenever financial irregularities are detected.
Controller of Customs, Peter Hughes assured the public that the Customs Department maintains strict control over all incoming and outgoing goods, including cargo and baggage at airports and seaports.
He said every aircraft and ship is thoroughly checked and additional inspections can be conducted with police assistance if needed.
Mr Hughes urged the public not to be alarmed, as the government has a well-coordinated team working to protect the community and ensure safety.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
