Police shot at during marijuana eradication exercise

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:00 by GxMedia

Suspected marijuana cultivators allegedly opened fire on police in Ituni Backdam where lawmen arrested four persons and seized a quantity of the narcotic and a large quantity of ammunition and magazines.

“During the operation the police ranks came under fire and returned fire as a result,” said Police Force spokesman Ivelaw Whittaker.

Two other suspects escaped.

During the drug eradication exercise at 15 miles Ituni Backdam, ten fields comprising about 5,000 cannabis sativa (marijuana) plants, ranging in height between one foot and seven feet, were found and destroyed along with three camps.

Also seized were 271 rounds of 7.62 x 39 ammunition, three AK47 rifle magazines and a telescopic night vision.