The Honiara City Police raided a marijuana site at Burnscreek, East Honiara and uprooted more than 400 plants, with a street value estimated at $10,000.00 last Thursday.
A statement from the Police Media Unit said, the operation was successfully conducted, with the help and support of community members who were able to supply information on the location of the marijuana plants.
More than 50 police officers from five Units at the Honiara police including the City Liquor Squad, frontline police officers, the Crime Responsive Unit (CRU) and Police Rapid Response Team (PRT) were involved in the raid.
The Honiara City Acting Police Commander Mathias Lenialu praised his officers for the swift raid and also the huge support from the public at the Burnscreek settlements.
“The success of the operation is another significant result of communities working together with the RSIPF and for this I must thank the chiefs, church leaders, community elders , women groups and the children of Burnscreek for the support towards a safe and secure community environment where everybody can move around freely without fear,” said Police Acting Commander Lenialu.
“The information gathered so far suggested that the marijuana was growing all over the Burnscreek area and what was discovered was only a small part of a larger quantity allegedly available in the area.
“To witness this dangerous drug being grown almost everywhere freely is an issue we must deal with as a people to stop the increasing crimes relating to this drug and it’s health impact which is affecting a lot of our youth today.”
Honiara police Commander Lenialu said: “Currently members of the entire community have supported police in uprooting marijuana plants in and around their community and this must be seen as an opportunity for us the police to fully utilise and uproot the plants as well as confiscate the kwaso making facilities in the same areas.”
Members of the public are urged to call police if they suspect any member of their community getting involved in such illegal activities. Please call the Police Communication centre on phone: 23666 or 999.