Nineteen (19) escapees are still at large in the Morobe province following a daring escape from a police station in the city of Lae, the country's industrial hub. Initially, twenty (20) inmates escaped from the Lae Central Police Station cell this week after cutting through a wire barrier using a smuggled axel. Authorities have since recaptured one escapee near the oil market downtown, while 19 remain at large. Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban confirmed the breakout and suggested that the escape was probably planned over some time. “The axel was smuggled into the cell and used to cut through the wire barriers. It was not a one-night job—it took time before they made their move,” Kunyanban said. He added that the breakout occurred between midnight and 2 p.m., during a shift change. “Our officers were on duty, but cell checks are conducted at two-hour intervals. The inmates knew the routine and used that window to escape,” he explained. Kunyanban also raised concerns about the overcrowded and outdated detention facility, a cause for concern for police as it poses risks of disease outbreaks and breakouts. “The cells were originally built to hold around 60 to 70 detainees, but we now house more than 100 at a time. It’s clear that we need better infrastructure to prevent such incidents,” he said. Police are verifying the names and charges of the escapees before releasing further details. Kunyanban has urged the public to assist in locating the fugitives, emphasizing that their recapture is a matter of public safety. The investigation into how the axel was smuggled in and whether security lapses contributed to the escape, is ongoing.