Arrested on Tuesday and detained by Gerehu Police for the possession of illegal firecrackers and offensive weapon is a 38-Year-old man from the Worsera Gawi District in East Sepik.
The Commander of National Capital District and Central Provincial acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Turi has confirmed that the man is now detained and is to be questioned on how he got all these contrabands, where he got them from and who may have helped him to transport these items into Port Moresby.
Mr. Turi said the 38-year-old man was caught by police during Tuesday’s motor patrol at Gerehu Waikele Market area when they spotted him. When caught, the police searched and found in his possession the firecrackers and other offensive weapons.
Lately, there have been reports of noise pollution in the city caused by firecrackers, which disturb public peace due to the high distribution of these harmful products. This raises the question of how does the city have such a high quantity of firecrackers when they are not sold in shops or retail outlets?
Commander Turi said the man who has been caught will be questioned accordingly to further the investigation into this illegal trade.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Motor Patrol Police Officers for capturing the illegal trader.
“I want to thank the police officers from Gerehu who apprehend the man, which is a good start. We will continue to arrest people who sell or distribute firecrackers. The item is dangerous when used, so we will monitor people who are using this.”
ACP Turi urged those selling firecrackers in the city to stop, warning that they will be arrested and charged if caught. He also called on police officers in other centers to monitor individuals involved in this trade.