Police to evict families who shelter criminals in festive crackdown

Madang police will begin evicting entire families who harbor criminals during this year’s festive season, introducing one of the province’s toughest law-and-order measures to date.

Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Robert Baim announced that households found protecting offenders in settlements will be removed immediately. Families whose children repeatedly come into conflict with the law will face the same consequence.

PPC Baim said the approach aims to disrupt crime at its source ahead of the annual Christmas and New Year period.

This year’s operation, code-named Sain Abe 3, will launch on December 1.

"The operation's objective is clear - to guarantee a peaceful, safe, and law-abiding festive season for all residents and visitors in Madang Province," he said. "The operation will be conducted with firmness, decisiveness, and unwavering resolve to ensure those who threaten public order are swiftly identified, located, and dealt with in accordance with the law."

Noise pollution after 10:00pm will be banned, with offenders to be charged and sanctioned under existing ordinances. Repeat violations will attract harsher penalties, including fines and potential detention.

Police also warned that bail conditions will be strictly enforced, and anyone breaching them will face immediate action, including possible revocation of bail and prosecution for contempt of court.

On drugs and alcohol, Baim said police will carry out intelligence-driven raids, roadblocks and searches to dismantle homebrew production and shut down the movement of illicit substances. Anyone found with illegal drugs or brewing equipment will be charged promptly.

He emphasized that the safety of children and other vulnerable individuals will remain a priority in all enforcement actions.

Police will also enforce a night-time no-loitering rule, with heavy patrols targeting public spaces, markets, and transport hubs to prevent disorderly gatherings.

Random roadblocks and searches will be conducted in settlements and urban villages to enforce traffic laws, bail conditions, and public safety standards.

In maritime areas, water police will patrol islands, harbors, and inter-island routes to monitor smuggling, illegal trade and disturbances.

Community Policing Units will take an active role during Operation Sain Abe 3, supported by rapid-response teams to handle incidents as they arise.

Citizens are urged to cooperate with officers, report suspicious activities, and celebrate responsibly.

A dedicated emergency contact and media liaison channel will be set up to provide real-time updates during the operation.

PPC Baim thanked Governor Ramsey Pariwa and Acting Provincial Administrator Daniel Aloi for continued support to police operations.

“We will deliver a safe Christmas for the people of Madang with or without resources,” he said. “Public safety is everyone’s responsibility. Those who attempt to disrupt the festive season will face swift and decisive action.”

He added that all bail, noise and public safety regulations will be enforced without exception.