KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Public Safety officers arrested six people between June 6 to 10 and seized $250,000 worth of marijuana plants in separate operations in Angaur and Peleliu.
On June 8, police officers seized 400 marijuana plants in Peleliu in six separate farms. On June 9, over 500 mature marijuana plants were seized in Angaur.
The seizure in Angaur was based on an anonymous tip.
The six persons were arrested for possessing and cultivating marijuana.
The Ministry of Justice said the seizure is one of the largest made in Palau history.
The government’s actions is expected to have a wide-ranging impact on the illegal drug market since the proceeds of locally grown marijuana are often used for the purchase of other illegal drugs, officials said.
The marijuana plants seized were burned Tuesday by the Drug Enforcement Division.
“Illegal drugs pose a great danger to the community and its youth. The consistent efforts of the police to enforce the laws have reduced the availability of drugs in Palau for the benefit of all,” said Swenny Shiro, Public Safety director, said.
He added, ”I ask the people of Palau to help us in our effort to fight illegal drugs by continuing to provide information. The identity of the informants will remain strictly confidential.”
Shiro commended the efforts of the chief of the Criminal Investigation and Drug Enforcement Division, Det. Felix Francisco, Temdik Ngirblekuu, Officers McArthur Ucharm, Dolyn Tell, Kenny Mers, Cedric Tatingal, Denio Ngirungai and Jovian Adelbai.
