Police in Vanuatu have appealed to chiefs, church and community leaders to help combat cannabis cultivation and consumption.
Inspector James Aru of the island nation's crime prevention unit says the use of cannabis has increased to alarming levels throughout the country.
He says police have noticed that it has contributed to the increase of crimes, such as murders.
Mr Aru says cannabis has changed the mentality of the people and makes them aggressive in their communities.
Radio New Zealand International reports that he says although it is against the law, more and more people are growing cannabis in the islands.
