A 22-year-old man from Oro Province has been sentenced yesterday, Thursday, October 10th, to 20 years imprisonment for growing cannabis sativa or marijuana. The prisoner, Sobert Pandawa, from Sorovoi Road 7 along the Gona Highway in Oro Province was found guilty for cultivating canabis after standing trial on October 7th before Senior Court Magistrate Albert Daniel based on circumstantial evidence provided by police witnesses. Pandawa, was also fined K500, 000. His conviction comes after police discovered cannabis plants hidden among garden flowers while pursuing murder suspects on August 11th. Pandawa was found at the scene, questioned, and later arrested for cultivating cannabis sativa. The court decision has received praise from Northern (Oro) Governor Gary Juffa, calling it a victory for the law-abiding citizens of Oro Province who often suffer due to illegal activities. He stated that the maximum sentence should send a strong message across the province, assuring citizens that law enforcement and the judiciary are committed to fighting against illegal drug cultivation. Juffa emphasized the need for continued vigilance against drug-related crimes. Meantime, Oro Provincial Administrator, Mr. Trevor Magei has commended the Oro Provincial Police Command for their successful conviction of two young adults, who received a total of 30 years for various drug-related offenses. He noted that today’s conviction removes one cannabis grower from the streets, which ultimately protects over 100 youths and children from the dangers of cannabis sativa addiction. Magei expressed strong support for the police and judicial system in their ongoing fight against dangerous drugs like cannabis, methamphetamine, and cocaine, which are classified under the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2018. He assured Oro’s Provincial Police Commander, Ewai Segi, of full backing in efforts to combat drug abuse, further stating that he is very impressed with the outcome of the case against Pandawa. He said the conviction of Pandawa should serve as a clear warning to young adults in Oro. By successfully convicting individuals involved in cannabis cultivation, law enforcement aims to tackle the root of the drug abuse problem in society. Magei stressed that the courts and all law enforcement agencies are prepared to collaborate and use all available resources to reduce the impact of drug-related issues. Magei also thanked the Special Operations Team (SOT) from McGregor for their crucial role in leading the case against Pandawa, highlighting their commitment to special operations in Oro since April of this year.