By RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Police in Auki, Malaita Province have arrested a 34-year-old male accused of producing and selling illegally home-brewed alcohol and marijuana.
The suspect who is reportedly a church pastor was arrested at Taeloa village in West Baegu on Monday this week.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea spoke about this with Island Sun Auki on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
He said the arrest was made with the help and support of the suspect’s community members.
Ramosaea said the suspect’s tools for brewing alcohol were also confiscated.
He said the suspect will be remanded in police custody for 14 days.
Superintendent Ramosaea mentioned that this incident has painted a troubling picture, as a pastor is someone whom people should obey, respect and follow.
He stressed that in this case, people may start to disrespect and doubt any pastor.
“This shouldn’t be, because the pastor is a respected person in our communities. This incident will paint a bad picture for all of the pastors,” he said.
Ramosaea appeals to community members in our societies to work together with the police and report anyone involved in the brewing of the local alcoholic drink (kwaso) and selling of marijuana.
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