On 9 September 2018, soldiers and police from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit raided Matibo and Masengbeh villages near Mile 91 in the early hours to search for and destroy cannabis farms.[1] Thirty-four people were arrested on suspicion of possessing 709 kilograms of dry leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa, alongside an allegation of riotous conduct.[2]

Rights probe

Human Rights Commission staff visited the two villages on 13 September to investigate alleged violations by the police, after reports that an officer shot dead a 29-year-old man and that residents suffered rape and degrading treatment.[2] The team spoke to both communities, alleged victims, released suspects, the dead man’s parents, local authorities and the remaining suspects held at Hastings TOCU.[2] The police complaints board said its investigation could run past a 21-day civil-society deadline, and the operation was reported to have been code-named Operation Green Storm after an Office of National Security briefing.[1]