Madang court sends strong warning as drugs and illegal firearms destroyed

More than 50 kilograms of marijuana, homemade firearms, and large quantities of homebrew have been destroyed in Madang, as police and the courts deliver a clear warning to offenders that drug trafficking and illegal weapons will be met with severe punishment.

The items, kept as court exhibits, were burned in a supervised bonfire at Milinat Plantation outside town on Thursday. Acting OIC Police Prosecution, Senior Constable Eugene Wanai, said the destruction exercise was routine but carried an important message.

“These substances and weapons are illegal. It is our duty to ensure they are properly disposed of and that the community sees the seriousness of these offences,” Wanai said.

Senior Provincial Magistrate Fridolin Kambibel revealed the marijuana destroyed had a potential street value of up to K300,000. He said drug-related cases dominate Madang’s courts and that heavy sentences are being handed down to curb the trade.

“The set penalty for drug offences is K100,000 and up to 40 years in jail. In Madang, offenders caught with more than 15 kilograms of marijuana are receiving up to 25 years’ imprisonment. This is to make the community aware that drugs are dangerous and will not be tolerated,” he said.

Kambibel said drugs fuel many other crimes in the province, posing a direct threat to families, communities, and public health. He urged young people in particular to understand the consequences of drug abuse and trafficking.

Alongside the marijuana and alcohol, the timber parts of homemade firearms were also destroyed in the bonfire, with the metal components to be disposed of at sea.

Authorities said Thursday’s destruction was not only a legal requirement but also a visible demonstration of the state’s commitment to cracking down on crime and safeguarding communities.