Swift arrests made as Morobe police maintain festive season peace

Suspect George Gilo, allegedly involved in the stabbing of a auxiliary police officer arrested by Nadzab police officers (Image: Supplied)

Christmas Eve and Day policing operations across Lae, Morobe, were effectively carried out by multiple police units, resulting in several arrests and the maintenance of public order.

According to the Morobe Provincial Police Commander [PPC], Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaro, a Community Auxiliary Police [CAP] officer was stabbed while on duty on Christmas Day.

“Swift response by police officers at Nadzab led to the identification and arrest of the suspect, George Gilo aged 28 from Aronai village, Siassi LLG of the Tewai Siassi District, who is now in custody with charges pending against him," PPC Siguyaru said.

"The CAP officer was attempting to intervene on the matter of the suspect alleged to be a drug offender, when the suspect retaliated and stabbed the police officer."

Another major arrest was done by Water Police Unit, catching up with an escapee who had been convicted of rape. The suspect was taken into custody, locked up and denied bail.

Lae water police officers conducting festive season operations (Image: Supplied)

Meanwhile in Lae City, roadblock operations conducted by officers from Bumayong Police Station resulted in the arrest of a 20-year-old suspect, Charbel Aro, who was in possession of two stapler guns and 20 blank rounds of ammunition. He has since been charged and is awaiting his court appearance next year.

In Markham district’s Mutzing Station, one male suspect was arrested and fined K1, 500 for selling illicit beer [homebrew]. Another individual was arrested and fined K1,000 for drinking and behaving disorderly in public.

Supporting police station patrols conducted both by vehicle and on foot, the Highway Patrol Unit and the Roadside Assistance Team [RAT], together with the Road Traffic Authority [RTA] carried out joint operations and issued traffic infringement notices to offenders.

“Overall, the strong and proactive police presence ensured public order was maintained,and that resulted in a generally quiet and peaceful Christmas celebration for most residents,” Siguyaru said.

"The Morobe public is reminded that within this festive season period, you will be charged and released on a K1, 000 bail for drunk related offences, K1, 500 bail for illicit spirit, homebrew sales, offences, K5, 000 bail for liquor trade abuse, K1, 500 bail for wire catapult possession, K1, 000 bail for traffic offences, K1, 000 bail for Domestic Violence and No Bail for drug and fire arms Offences."