WHP locals get rid of drugs

By YVONNE HAIP
MORE than 28,000 mature plants have been uprooted in the Western Highlands as part of a marijuana-surrender programme.
Since the launch of the “Operation Stopim Drug” programme in the province last Dec 15, it has recorded the largest drug surrender exercise in the country.
Those surrendering marijuana plants said they wanted to become more productive members of society.
The operation network extends throughout the province and has 3,000 members who have declared war against the cultivating, selling and use of marijuana.
The drug war began in Kindeng, in Anglimp district, and spread to nearby communities, before moving to Dei.
Last  Saturday, it went into the Hagen central area.
So far, 66 people at Kolge outside Mt Hagen have pledged to rid themselves of the habit.
They signed a statutory declaration in the presence of provincial police commander Supt Kaiglo Ambane and community leaders.
Ambane praised the operation for not waiting for community leaders, police, government or other organisation to take the lead in the war on drugs.
He said they had taken on the task positively and it was a step towards curbing crime.
He said giving up the habit was a decision one had to make and it took great will-power.
He said the good news was that they were giving up something that would make way for better changes to their lives.
Operation chairman, Justin Nikints said the “drug bodies” were now looking forward to “being different in order to make a difference”.