A suspected drug-smuggling submarine discovered in the Solomon Islands has revived concerns about sophisticated narcotics operations in Tonga’s waters, where similar vessels have allegedly been spotted unloading cargo.
The mysterious vessel is believed to have transported tonnes of cocaine from South America toward Australia.
The discovery follows earlier reports of vessel activity near deep-sea locations in Tonga’s Vava’u islands, where witnesses spotted cranes being lowered, an activity the Police Minister Piveni Piukala suggested could indicate illicit drug operations.
The Minister’s concerns echo a 2021 case reported by Kaniva News, when blocks of cocaine from a large shipment washed ashore at ‘Otualea Beach in Vava’u. Eight locals were subsequently sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to 13.5 years for their involvement in handling the drugs.
Reports of unconfirmed rafts, allegedly used to transport drugs, have surfaced in the waters around Tonga’s outer islands. Videos of these sightings have been shared on social media.
As we reported last week, New Zealand deployed two K9 units to assist in inspecting yachts arriving in Vava’u, amid growing concerns that some operators may be unknowingly or deliberately involved in transporting illicit drugs to the islands.
The move reflects a proactive effort to safeguard Tonga from the escalating threat of drug-related activities.
Solomon Islands Discovery
Ben Maenu’u, Member of Parliament for Lau/Baelelea constituency and an experienced fisherman, made the unusual discovery of the apparent type of stealth craft often used by drug cartels to smuggle tonnes of narcotics across international waters undetected, on Monday, July 28, 2025, during a fishing trip to Isabel Province.
Speaking to Island Sun upon his return to Honiara on Tuesday, Maenu’u described encountering the vessel around 5 PM: “From a distance, we mistook it for an aluminium boat.
“As we approached, its submarine-like design became apparent—a fully enclosed, frightening structure of unknown origin,” he said.
The craft was drifting toward Lord Howe Island at the time of discovery, the report said.
The parliamentarian planned to tow the vessel to Honiara for further inspection.
As of Tuesday, July 29, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) had not commented on the discovery, despite inquiries from Island Sun.
This incident highlights growing concerns about sophisticated drug trafficking networks exploiting Pacific maritime routes.
