Tip from public helps police arrest man with bag marijuana

A tip from the public to police has resulted in the arrest of a 36-year-old with a bag of marijuana in Kirakira early last week (23 March).

A member of the public had called the police to alert them that a bag (farmer) had been loaded on M.V Lokoiloa destined for Kirakira.  That ensured that Kirakira police boarded the boat as it arrived in the Makira-Ulawa provincial capital waiting to see who picked up the bag.

Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau said his officers were watching and when the person picked up the bag he was arrested.

Police discovered the farm bag was packed with marijuana sent from Honiara. Mangau was unable to confirm the street value of the bag of marijuana.

Meanwhile the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Makira-Ulawa Province Peter Sitai confirms that the suspect placed in police custody overnight but was released on bail a day later. He was yet to be charged.

Investigation is continuing and police is still awaiting for further advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

According to dangerous drugs Act, police only lay charge on suspects of drug related upon receiving authorization from the office of the DPP.

PPC Sitai appeals to members of the public in and around Kira Kira town who may know information about the drugs to come forward and assist them in their investigations.

Marijuana become an issue to many youths in Makira-Ulawa Province and therefore, everyone needs to work together in order to put such issue under control, he says.