Nurse and accomplices arrested over illegal sale of medicines in Vanimo
A nurse and his accomplices have been arrested in Vanimo for allegedly attempting to sell government-supplied medicines illegally on Thursday 19th March, police have confirmed.
The main suspect, identified as Abraham Waip from Karaitam Village in Lumi, Aitape-Lumi District, was intercepted while attempting to sell Amoxicillin at a trade store.
With assistance from a shop assistant, police apprehended the suspect at the back gate of the trading store while he was inside a taxi.
At the time of his arrest, he was accompanied by his wife and another male individual, who are now also being treated as accomplices in the case.
Police confirmed that Waip is employed as a nurse at the Maka Company Aid Post. During the operation, officers recovered a large quantity of medicines, including Amoxicillin 500mg capsules.
A total of 3,000 capsules, packed in 100-capsule packets, were allegedly found in the suspect’s possession and believed to be intended for unlawful sale. The medicines were confiscated and are now being held as police exhibits as investigations continue.
West Sepik Provincial Police Commander, Senior Inspector Silas Kuaino, confirmed that the nurse had been communicating with a doctor from Vanimo General Hospital to facilitate the illegal movement and sale of the medicines.
Senior Inspector Kuaino said this practice appears to have been ongoing, with some hospital staff allegedly supplying medicines to individuals for illegal sale, contributing to drug shortages in rural health facilities across the province.
He stressed that police are closely monitoring the situation and warned that anyone involved within health institutions or outside will be identified and prosecuted under the full force of the law.
“We are continuing our investigations, and those found to be part of this syndicate will be dealt with accordingly,” Kuaino said.
He also warned health workers against engaging in such illegal activities, saying those who think they can continue will be caught and face the full force of the law.
Police say such actions are contributing to a worsening health crisis, where people are dying from treatable illnesses due to shortages of essential medicines caused by illegal diversion and sale.