Madang is no place for drug smugglers, police warn

The Provincial Police Commander for Madang, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim is once again warning drug peddlers that Madang is no safe place for their illegal activities.

He issued the warning this morning following the successful apprehension of four drug smugglers in the Raikos District mid-week.

PPC Baim said, “The four suspects had travelled for days crossing rivers, climbing mountains, and slept in forests before arriving at Malalamai Village in the Saidor LLG. When questioned where they got the marijuana, they revealed it was cultivated and harvested in Taing Village, Teptep Station in the Naiyudo LlG in the upper hinterlands of Raikos.”

Baim said his policemen and women are working and monitoring both land and sea and will make sure those caught will face the full consequences of the law under the Controlled Substance Act.

“Drug penalty has increased so think about it, it’s either your family or your illegal drugs. The choice is yours,” he added.

Acting Superintendent Baim said the four suspects were detained at the Saidor police lockup and will be transported to Madang Town in the coming days, where they will be formally charged and appear before the district court.

Meanwhile, Team Leader- Drug, Constable Steven Marita said police acted on intel information and moved in swiftly to the said location where the four men had boarded a dinghy with the large quantity of marijuana, weighing in at 65 kilograms and were heading to Sawoi Village.

He said they were easily cornered and apprehended.

Constable Marita said, “Inside the boat, police discovered bags neatly packed and taped with freshly- dried marijuana. The bags of marijuana were destined for Madang Town, where the suspects intended to sell them openly on the streets for quick money, unfortunately they were caught out.”

The Madang District Court this year has made several convictions for drug- related offences, with offenders now serving time under the new laws.

Last month police, CS officers and the district court staff destroyed over 50 kilograms in a bonfire outside town, sending a signal to drug peddlers that the penalties are severe.