PPC Baim applauds district court’s recent drug ruling

Madang's Provincial Police Chief, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, has applauded the recent convictions of four people by the Madang District Court for drug-related offences.

The four, including a 39 year old woman from Markham District in Morobe Province, were dished out a 25-year imprisonment term each for attempting to smuggle marijuana to Kimbe in West New Britain province.

Their imprisonment terms totalling 100 years were handed down by Madang's Senior Provincial Magistrate, Fridolin Kambibel, on June 5.

The four, including a woman from Markham District in the Morobe Province, are serving out their prison terms at Beon Gaol.

He said the recent ruling should serve as a stern warning and reminder to would- be drug traffickers that drug offences are serious and attract hefty penalties under the Controlled Substance Act.

Drug traffickers have been using Madang as a transit point to West New Britain, Manus, East, and West Sepik provinces, however; police are now warning that this practice must cease forthwith because drug penalties have increased significantly.

"We are going to be receiving new boats soon to patrol the waters of Madang, and I want to warn drug traffickers and sea pirates that police will not be taking it lightly with them. Police will be patrolling the seas between Madang and Raikos and Madang and Karkar Island on a daily basis to make sure seafarers are safe from sea pirates, and drug traffickers do not get away with any illegal drug dealings," said PPC Baim.

When asked what plans Madang police have in addressing piracy along the Ramu River, Acting Superintendent Baim confirmed police have no resources to police the Ramu River, but that he is in talks with the local MP, Kansol Harwai Kamdaru; to help address this issue along the river.

PPC Baim further noted the need for Madang to have increased sea patrols to help cut down on the number of illegal activities that are taking place on its waters.