30 Jan 2012

French High Commissioner says crime in French Polynesia linked to marijuana

11:28 am on 30 January 2012

The French high commissioner in French Polynesia says a large part of crime in the territory is linked to marijuana.

Richard Didier's comments come as the authorities have revealed that last year 67,000 cannabis plants were dug up and seized.

Mr Didier says many patients in the psychiatric wards are there because of drugs-related issues.

The head of the local gendarmerie, Colonel Valentini, says drugs are found everywhere in French Polynesian society and in a way not seen in France.

Although the territory's prison is overcrowded, judges say the law is being enforced.