BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The former police officer arrested and accused of selling beer illegally during Christmas and New Year at Wairokai in West Are’are, Malaita province, will appear before the court on March 23.

Malaita Province Police commander (PPC) Michael Ramosaea told this paper yesterday that police on Malaita arrested the officer and confiscated 12 cartons of beer on Friday, January 9.

He also alleged that the officer was involved in the sale of locally brewed alcohol (kwaso).

Ramosaea said that the 64-year-old former police officer was released on bail before his court hearing, which is set to be held at Maka Police Station. 

Ramosaea said the suspect has been charged with unauthorised sales of liquor under the Liquor Act.

He said that his action of selling liquor allegedly led to some unwanted activities and related incidents at Wairokai during the Christmas and New Year.

He said police also received reports from chiefs at Wairokai that a person who had died in his sleep at the same village was due to consuming locally brewed alcohol (kwaso) of second grade.

“It was a sad story for his people, noting the communities of the increasing number of brewers in the village,” he said.

Ramosaea, meanwhile, called on the villagers to report those involved in brewing locally made alcohol (Kwaso) and unauthorised sales of liquor to the police.