Two females aged in their 30s were arrested and charged by police officers from the Liquor Licensing Squad after raids at Banana Valley in White River.

Police yesterday morning swooped on two dwellings and seized 45 bottles of kwaso, a number of tools used in the manufacturing process and 75 litres of kwaso that was in the final production stage.

The 45 bottles of kwaso seized by police were headed for Honiara where they were going to be sold.

Provincial Police Commander for Honiara City, Superintendent Philip Kaukui, said this successful operation is another example of the commitment police have in stopping the manufacturing and sale of illegal alcohol.

"The officers from the Liquor Licensing Squad have again demonstrated their professionalism in stopping kwaso from being sold in Honiara. Since June, the Liquor Licensing Squad has conducted 11 successful operations and 23 people have been arrested. A large quantity of manufacturing tools and equipment has also been seized," he said.

The arrest of the two females at Banana Valley yesterday follows the seizure of 750 litres of kwaso in mid-June that had an estimated street value of $26,000.

"The good news for the community is that this harmful alcohol will not make its way on to the streets for sale. The health risks and behavioural problems associated with people drinking kwaso will be reduced thanks to the good work by police," Superintendent Kaukui said.

The two females were formally charged with restriction on making liquor and have been bailed to appear in the Honiara Magistrates Court on 28 July 2008.