Police at Atori in East Malaita in the Malaita Province have uprooted 100 marijuana plants and confiscated equipment used for the production of the local alcohol called kwaso after they were alerted during a community awareness talk conducted at Adaliua Village on 11 November 2017.
The plants and equipment were destroyed by police and the people at the village were verbally warned and informed that it is illegal to grow, in possession of and smoke marijuana and it is illegal to brew alcohol without authorization from the Minister responsible for licensing of the production of alcohol.
“The community chiefs and prominent leaders including women of the particular community were very happy and appreciated police initiative in curbing criminal activities in their area which previously had very serious impact on them regarding unwarranted criminal activities for such a very long time,” says Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita, Superintendent Timothy Apaesi.
Superintendent Apaesi adds: “My officers at Atori will continue to work closely with the communities and chiefs and church leaders in East Malaita to tackle the issue of kwaso and marijuana in that region through a proactive community engagement strategy.”
“I appeal to community leaders and the people of Malaita Province to assist police to get rid of the illegal marijuana plant as its growing, possession, using and selling could result in a custodial sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a fine ranging from $2,000 - $100, 000 if found guilty by a competent court,” says Supervising PPC Apaesi.