THE PapuaNew Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) personnel operating under the command of Enga Provincial Police Commander has conducted an operation at Laiagam resulting in the seizure of 460 cartons of beer on Wednesday.
ENGA PPC Chief Superintendent Steven Harris said the PNGDF soldiers initially encountered a group of intoxicated individuals near the Laiagam Station junction and upon sighting the authorities, the individuals fled the area.
PPC Harris said the follow-up action led to the location and search of a nearby store premises where the liquor was discovered and seized.
He said the premises were secured, and police investigations were continuing into the source, transport and distribution network associated with the alcohol.
“It is suspected that the liquor was moved into Enga via back-road routes and supplied across Laiagam, Mulitaka and parts of Porgera as well,” Supt Harris said.
“No suspects will be named at this time but those responsible are already known to the police.”
“This is not casual drinking, but it is an organised illegal supply into our communities.”
“There is certainly a place for responsible and lawful sale of alcohol.”
PPC Harris said the consequences of alcohol-fuelled disorder were evident throughout Enga Province
He added that they had recently seen false sorcery accusations emerge from drunken behaviour, leading to violence against vulnerable people.
Supt Jarris said the operation signalled a shift to more proactive enforcement.
“The public can expect to see far more proactive police and PNGDF action targeting drunkards in public places and those carrying offensive weapons,” he said.
PPC Harris said they were not waiting for violence to happen, but stopping it at the source.