Kakagl villagers’ move praised

By ZACHERY PER
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.