Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner David Manning has warned of the multi-billion kina drug trade threatening security in the nation and the region, after two women, two sacked policemen and seven others were arrested in Port Moresby on Saturday.
The suspects were being questioned on suspicion of peddling methamphetamine and possessing guns and military body armour.
“This drug bust indicates the threat we are facing in PNG and around the region with the spread of dangerous drugs, including methamphetamines,” Commissioner Manning said last night.
“Police will investigate and break apart criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking.
“While our committed investigators and police officers will continue to weed out, arrest and prosecute these offenders, remaining vigilant is a shared duty,” he said.
Reminding parents and guardians to be vigilant of children, Manning appealed for information on suspected drug users or dealers.
“If you see something, say something, as these criminals are a threat to our communities.”
The suspects are in custody at the Waigani (nine) and Boroko (two) police station cells.
“Two policemen that I dismissed from the force last year, as part of our crackdown on undisciplined and unethical officers, (are allegedly) involved.
“Investigators have kept close tabs on these former officers after their dismissal and they have now met their fate and have been arrested,” Manning said.
“I am proud of our hardworking and committed police officers who have removed this astonishing amount of dangerous drug from our streets.”
A senior police officer said police had sighted members of the group in a vehicle that night acting suspiciously and conducted a search. Police identified a former policeman, who was dismissed from the force last year, and brought the group in for questioning.
The former cop was a constable who was arrested last November for being in possession of drugs.
Later that evening at about 8pm, Water Police personnel, detectives and members of the Special Services Division raided a house at Laurabada and confiscated two 22 rifles and body armour. A bilum containing methamphetamine was also retrieved from a nearby yard.
The police source said that the property would be investigated as it had an office at the back with closed circuit television cameras everywhere. “The question is why there is a small office at the home with cameras. It is even more suspicious when you find meth and guns at the location. Meth is a serious issue that needs to be dealt with, otherwise in the next five to 10 years, we will have addicts on the street that it will become a liability to the state and will destroy families and lives,” he said.
