­Police do not need search warrants if they have ample evidence: PPC

POLICE do not need to get search warrants if they have ample evidence to effect arrests, says North Fly acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Inspector, Anjap Minata.

He said police have been arresting marijuana suspects without search warrants, but now that laws have changed, he urged police officers to obtain search warrant before effecting arrests.

PPC Minata said this after a marijuana suspect was free from police custody on 23 April 2026 after a lengthy hearing at the Kiunga District Court, Western Province. 
He said the suspect appeared before the District Court several times until the case was dismissed after it found that police did not have a search warrant at the time of his arrest.

“The police prosecutor was shocked with the court’s decision when he had sufficient evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt,” PPC Minata said.

“Police now see that their hard work and effort put into arrest suspect was a total waste.”

“The Court should understand the hardship of police personnel when delivering their decision as police officers apprehend suspects with limited resources.”

“During such time where crime rates are high and public are calling for law enforcement agencies to tighten the law, the courts should understand this as well.

Police respect the court’s decision, but look at the trend of crime and the dangers of marijuana associated disorders in the community.

“It is too much and the court should take into consideration when making decisions as well. 

 PPC Minata appealed to community leaders and other relevant authorities to work together with police to minimize the illegal trade and consumption of marijuana in the province. 

PPC said the suspect identified as David Tambabu, 48, from Kubari village in Tari Pori District, Hela Province, appeared in court after he was arrested and charged for being in possession of marijuana under Section 3 (1) (d), Chapter 22 of Dangerous Drug Act. The street value of the drug was about K80,000.

The suspect brought the marijuana drug from Tari to Kiunga where he was apprehended on 2 June 2025 at the airport.