PROVINCES' GREEN THUMBS STROKE A POT OF GOLD

A study has revealed that four Papua New Guinean provinces are making
64.5million kina ($35.6million) a year from marijuana.

The figures were released during a drugs workshop conducted by the
National Narcotics Bureau, which is trying to teach trainers in East
New Britain province about drugs.

The study was conducted in Western Highlands, Chimbu, Madang and
Eastern Highlands provinces.

According to the study, Chimbu topped the list of marijuana earnings,
making 23.5million kina a year. It reported that of the 35,516 people
who grew coffee, most also cultivated marijuana as an alternative cash
crop.

In Eastern Highlands between 30,000 and 50,000 people are estimated to
be growing marijuana, which makes about 20million kina for the
province every year.

In Western Highlands between 15,000 and 44,000 people grow marijuana
either in their food gardens or in their coffee or spice farms.

The acting administrator, Akuila Tubal, said the study also showed
that marijuana cultivation and trade in these provinces involved
people from many walks of life.

He said the study predicted the drug trade would become the main
source of increased criminal activity in these provinces and the main
source of income for those directly involved.