KAKAGL VILLAGERS' MOVE PRAISED

The people of Kakagl village one, two and three in Gembogl district,
Simbu province, have been praised for their move to quit cultivating
and consuming marijuana.

Simbu provincial police commander Supt Joseph Tondop heaped praise
on members of Kakagl one, two and three villages, located near the
Gembogl district office, for being the first villages in Gembogl to
say no to marijuana.

He also commended the rural police commander of Gembogl Sgt David
Kerenga and local leaders for their courage in helping change the
people's attitude.

A total of 100 people actively involved in the business of
cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana for more than 10
years testified in public how they got involved in the marijuana
business and why they were saying no to marijuana.

An 18-year-old youth said "I don't want to cause any more problems
for the village, because while I am under the influence of marijuana
I am always forced to steal domesticated animals and cause
unnecessary fight with village elders".

Another said, "I am saying no to marijuana to lead by example so
that the young ones know that cultivation, sale and consumption of
marijuana is illegal and not accepted by the society.

They vowed to assist police by reporting anyone from their village
or surrounding villages who was cultivating marijuana or producing
steamed homebrew liquor for sale.

They also warned people from outside of Gembogl not to travel into
Gembogl to buy marijuana because they would be arrested and referred
to police.

Supt Tondop assured the community leaders that he would provide all
the assistance that were necessary to ensure the youths in these
villages live a life free from marijuana and homebrew.

He also said he would extend the community policing into the area
with assistance from their local MP Joe Mek Teine.

Supt Tondop said 80% of the total population of youths in urban
centres like Kundiawa and main districts were taking illicit drugs
such as marijuana and steam. That is because they are cheap and easy
to have access to.

He said he would use community policing officers based in Kundiawa
to extend massive awareness programmes on the effects of marijuana
and associated problems affecting the community.