A 26-year-old Hela man has been fined K30,000 or faces 20 years in prison after being convicted in the Tari District Court over the possession of about 4.7 kilograms of marijuana.
Hela Provincial Police Commander Inspector Arau Mairi in a statement this morning said the man, from Jangome Village in Tari Urban, Tari-Pori District, was arrested after police and Defence Force personnel intercepted a consignment of suspected marijuana at the Magarima Check Point on August 4.
The joint operation recovered 60 rolls of suspected marijuana weighing approximately 4.7kg.
The suspect was handed over to the Police Investigative Task Force on August 5, formally arrested and detained at the Tari Police Station holding cell.
He appeared before the Tari District Court for his first court appearance on Monday, August 10, where the magistrate found him guilty and imposed a K30,000 fine.
Inspector Mairi said the man would serve 20 years in prison if he failed to pay the fine.
Inspector Mairi warned people involved in growing, transporting, selling or distributing illegal drugs that police would continue to pursue them.
“To those involved in growing, transporting, selling or distributing illegal drugs, you will be identified, arrested and brought before the courts because there is nowhere for you to hide,” he said.
He also warned young people against becoming involved in drugs, illegal firearms and tribal fighting.
“Our youths must stay away from drugs, illegal firearms, tribal fights, and so forth and protect your future. The law will catch up with you one fine day,” Inspector Mairi said.
“Let this case send a strong message that the wheel of justice is turning.”
Inspector Mairi thanked police officers and Defence Force personnel for their continued support in maintaining law and order and conducting gun amnesty awareness across Hela.
He also commended the officers and soldiers involved in the interception and arrest, saying continued cooperation between the two forces was important in making Hela safer.
“Together, we would make Hela safe again,” he said.