POLICE personnel in the North Fly Command in the Western Province have arrested and charged a male suspect for allegedly in possession of marijuana drug weighing 4.5kilograms.
The acting Police Commander, Inspector Anjap Minata said the suspect was arrested and charged under the amended Dangerous Drug Act under Section 3 (1) (d). He was locked up at the Tabubil Police Station.
PPC Minata said the court file for the suspect is in progress and he would appear in the Tabubil District Court. He confirmed that the drugs weighing 4.5kilgram and the estimated street value would be around K20,000 to K30,000.
He said the 32-year-old suspect (name withheld) is believed to be from Sanapte village, Oksapmin Local Level Government (LLG), Teleformin district in the West Sepik Province.
Police alleged that on Saturday October 12, 2024, between 1pm-2pm, the suspect was traveling on a Toyota Land Cruiser open back vehicle from Teleformin to Tabubil. The suspect upon seeing the police vehicle at Megalsim Hydro site looked suspicious so, the police officers checked his carrying bag and confiscated rolls of aluminum foils containing marijuana drugs weighing 4.5kilogrma.
The police officers who arrested the suspect were providing escort to the National Court Judge who wanted to visit the Megalsim Hydro site along the Kiunga Telefomin Highway.
PPC Minata said the suspect was caution and brought to the police station where he was formally arrested and charged.
“I warn the people of Oksapmin and Teleformin who are engaged in drugs trading business to quit it.
“It is a fast-money-making business and is on demand on the street but by doing this illegal business you are only destroying the lives of younger generation of this nation.
“If you have a son or daughter and doing this illegal business, your children will pay the price of your illegal practices,” Mr Minata said.
PPC Minata encouraged people not to engage in this illegal drug smuggling and trade business. He said there are many ways they could make money for their survival.
Mr Minata said if police caught you in possession or carrying marijuana drugs would be arrested and charged. He said there would be no excuse for this offence because any law in this country does not allow it.
PPC Minata said it was illegal for them to trade and smuggle marijuana drug in the Western province and Papua New Guina (PNG) as well.
