THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) conducted a joint high-visibility operation at the Honiara Central Market targeting illegal gambling, public sale and consumption of alcohol and illegal spirit such as kwaso petty theft and pick-pocketing.
The RSIPF’s Central Police Operations Support Team, AFP’s uniform patrols under the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) and Law Enforcement Officers of the Honiara City Council (HCC) on Friday 20th May supported the joint operation, which was led by Inspector Tex Tafoa.
Supervising Provincial Police Commander for Central Honiara Police, Supt. Jimson Robo, said their operation is a continuation of their “Operation Stopem Gambling 2022” but has expanded its scope to also deal with street crimes like alcohol selling and drinking, petty theft and pick-pocketing.
Supt. Robo said their operation was carried out on the Central Market because it is a public place that should be free of illegal activities or anti-social behaviour.
“Police do not tolerate illegal activities or anti-social behaviour in public places like the Central Market,” Insupt. Robo said.
At least three male adults were arrested during the operation for possessing Kwaso and a further male adult was arrested for possessing a prohibited weapon.
All four males arrested were taken to custody. They appeared before the Magistrates Court on Saturday.
“With AFP’s support, we will continue to conduct more joint operations targeting gambling and anti-social behaviours,” Supt. Robo said.
He said gambling in public places is an offense under Section 4 of the Games & Lottery Act.
Supt. Robo said the same with drinking in public, which is an offence under Drinking Section (65) of the Liquor Act and Simple Larceny Section 258 of the Penal Code.
He said the laws that these activities breach are there to protect the public as gambling and Kwaso has the potential to damage the broader community.
Under his command, Supt. Robo said, their operation will enforce a zero-tolerance approach to those who engaged in public gambling, consumption and selling of alcohol and theft in public places like the Central Market.
