Cocaine Smuggling Link to Solomon Islands: Australian police say they seized a record 2.7 metric tonnes of cocaine hidden in underground bunkers beneath shipping containers at Londonderry, west of Sydney, part of “Operation Minjiang,” arresting two men (21 and 25) and charging them with possessing a commercial quantity; authorities allege the drugs were imported via Midge Point in North Queensland and that a “mother vessel” tied to the operation has been detained in Solomon Islands. Maritime & Trade Infrastructure: Honiara’s new Kulabule Jetty was commissioned this week, named for late Captain Judah Kulabule, with officials saying it will boost domestic shipping capacity, reduce port congestion, and improve safety and handling for passengers and cargo—supporting movement of agricultural produce and fisheries products. Skills for Industry: Australia handed SINU TAFE training equipment worth over SBD170,000 to support building construction, carpentry and joinery students, aiming to improve work-ready skills for the workforce. Climate-Resilient Agriculture: A Solomon Islands delegation completed a 14-day climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries seminar in China, with youth and rural development participants focused on climate-smart farming and aquaculture. Drought Preparedness: NDMO activated Solomon Islands’ national drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, setting up a drought advisory group to monitor rainfall, water stress, agriculture and food security. Local Business & Costs: PM Matthew Wale urged Solomon Airlines to present a serious change plan to justify government support, while also calling on indigenous businesses to “agitate” against inefficiencies and warning against costly, poorly valued projects. Rural Transport for Farmers: CEMA announced plans to introduce its first two short-haul landing crafts to cut freight and transport expenses for copra, cocoa and other rural commodities under its “Farmers First” approach.