A police unit in Malalaua in the Gulf province recently apprehended three drug smugglers in possession of over 10 kilograms worth of Marijuana in Lese on Tuesday night on a Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) bound for Port Moresby city.
The police officers, after attending to a complaint in Lese, set up a random but standard roadblock checkpoint procedure for security checks on the passing PMV’s, this led them to the discovery of a 10kg bag of marijuana with additional smaller packs in separate bags.
The drugs were disguised and stuffed among 10kg betel nut bags for transporting, one 10kg bag full and other additional packs in another sealed betel nut bag. The officers identified the bag and seized the PMV and the three passengers, including the driver and the crew.
The vehicle was taken back by police to Malalaua Police Station and the three suspects to be further investigated and possible charges to be laid.
The suspected owner of the drugs will be charged for the high quantity of drugs in possession along with the Driver and Crew for transporting drugs under the Controlled Substance Act 2021.
PPC Lemb further emphasized that according to his sources, a huge quantity of drugs slipped through their posts into Port Moresby, estimated to be over 50 kilograms and police are on high alert to minimize this from happening again.
Police standard roadblock checkpoint operations will continue as normal to keep close watch of these illegal activities. PPC Lemb urged groups and individuals who choose a life of crime that they will all face this law when caught and charged accordingly.