Auki police uprooted 41 plants when they raided a marijuana garden at Buiano community in west Kwara’ae, Malaita, Friday.
Police said the plants have a street value of $50,000.
Auki Inspector Timothy Apaesi told the Sunday Star the raid was made possible with the help and cooperation of community leaders.
“The owner of the garden escaped when police arrived at his marijuana garden early in the morning,” Apaesi said.
He added police received no resistance when they entered the garden and carried out the raid.
“I wish to commend the community for reporting the matter to police,” he said.
“Their action has led to the raid and destruction of these illegal drugs.”
Apaesi said the raid followed an awareness police staged at the community on the dangers of drugs some two weeks ago.
He urged the Malaitan community to stand against illegal activities in their communities and report them to police.
“Planting and consumption of marijuana is just as illegal as the production and consumption of kwao.
“So the community must work together with the police if they wanted to see their villages free of drugs,” Apaesi said.
Last month Auki police also destroyed 10 marijuana plants at a village in west Kwaio.
Apaesi said police will continue to work around the clock during the festive season to ensure everyone enjoys their holiday.
By WILLIAM EKOTANI
in Auki