A combined force has been set up to crack down on illegal betel-nut vending in Honiara and the central market, HCC’s Market Master reveals.

The joint operation involves Honiara City Council’s Law Enforcement Division, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Police Response Team.

They began their operations last week, arresting illegal betel-nut venders.

Another of their duties includes providing random security rounds at the central market, which should ideally contribute to improved hygiene there.

Market Master, Mr Jimmy Hanson Riunga said along with market’s improvement regarding cleanliness, positive move has been taken by a new operation particularly targeting betel-nut sellers around the complex.

Mr Riunga said betal-nut chewing is a dirty habit which poses negative implications towards goods sold at market.

“Wheather cooked or uncooked food, those are foods, so we have to treat the place as much as possible to hygiene practices.

“That’s why market should be treated with very high standard in terms of health, not just to say we don’t want people to sell betal-nut but important part of it is health,” he said.

Mr Riunga is excited to see people cooperate, and started applying some healthy measures and initiatives which reflect taking ownership regarding the property.