MANUS police will step up surveillance to monitor boats involved in illegal smuggling of firearms, liquor and marijuana into the province.
The boats are used in the betelnut trade from other provinces into Lorengau town.
This follows the arrest of a male suspect for being in possession and discharging a firearm on Thursday night, June 10 at upper ward 6, Lorengau town.
Provincial Police Commander Chief (PPC) Inspector David Yapu said the suspect had an argument with his wife upon which he became frustrated and discharged three shots into the air causing fear in the community.
The incident was reported to Police at Lorengau Police Station and the matter was pursued. The suspect was not present at his house when Police went to apprehend him.
PPC Yapu said with the help from the suspect’s parents, he surrendered to police.
The suspect was interviewed and admitted the offence and was arrested and charged with three counts: in possession of unlicensed firearm, unlawful discharge of firearm in a public place and in possession of live ammunition.
The suspect appeared in court today.
Mr Yapu said the firearm was traded with people transporting betelnuts by boat to Lorengau town and was given to the suspect.
He warned people not to buy or accept such firearms into the province as it is a very dangerous weapon and it may cause more harm or kill, if not properly used.
He said in the past, police have confiscated firearms with ammunition and large quantities of drugs coming into the province by boats carrying betelnuts.