Drug Enforcement: Australia seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in its biggest-ever bust, with police saying it was hidden in underground bunkers beneath false floors in containers near Sydney; two men were arrested and charged, and investigators say a “mother vessel” linked to the smuggling ring was detained in the Solomon Islands. Policing & Governance: Solomon Islands’ newly appointed police chief Ian Vaevaso was suspended less than two months after taking office over allegations tied to meth evidence mishandling, with an independent tribunal set to examine the case. Maritime Crime Probe: RSIPF, Customs and Immigration intercepted the Belize-flagged MV WEALTH in Renbel Province after intelligence-led monitoring since April, with authorities suspecting drug trafficking, illicit tobacco smuggling and other transnational crimes at sea. Cost of Living & Business: PM Matthew Wale urged Solomon Airlines, telecoms and other major service providers to cut costs and profit margins, warning government support will not be open-ended without measurable change; he also pushed “Farmers First” logistics reforms via CEMA landing crafts to reduce freight expenses for rural copra and cocoa. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Honiara’s new Kulabule Jetty was commissioned to boost domestic shipping, reduce port congestion and strengthen inter-island trade, while MID and World Bank-backed road safety work in Honiara wrapped with plans to set up a National Road Safety Council framework. Environment & Risk: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway, as youth remain underrepresented in politics and governance discussions across the region.