In a major operation executed in the past 48 hours, Madang Base Police at Mano Check Point successfully intercepted a substantial quantity of drugs, resulting in the arrest of a male suspect. The operation took place at the Mano Quarantine Check Point, located in Ward 07 of Asterolob Bay Local Level Government and Ward 18 of Usino LLG in Usino Bundi Goma District, Madang Province. On Wednesday morning, between 0600hrs and 0700hrs, police personnel deployed at the Mano Check Point conducted routine stop-and-search procedures, leading to the inspection of a vehicle. The identified vehicle, an Isuzu Dyna Truck labeled "13W," was heading to Karkar Island, Madang Province, from Lufa in the Eastern Highlands Province. Upon a thorough search, officers discovered a significant quantity of marijuana concealed within a green bag/cabbage bag. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Ben Joel from Kemase, Lufa, Eastern Highlands Province, admitted that the confiscated items were cannabis, intended for transportation to Karkar Island. The total quantity amounted to 160 packs, weighing approximately 10.204 kg, with an estimated street value of 1600.00. Ben Joel, 33 years old, originally from Kemase in Ward 05, Yagareya LLG, Lufa District, Eastern Highlands Province, is currently located in Kemase & Matre, Karkar Island. Married with one child, he is self-employed and has no previous convictions. Following the interception, Ben Joel was promptly apprehended, charged, and is currently in custody at Jomba Police Station for the possession of dangerous drugs. Madang PPC Acting Superintendent Robert Baim highlighted, "Since the enforcement of the Control Substances Act in Madang in March 2023, a total of 96 arrests related to drug offenses have been made.” “Out of these, 61 individuals have been convicted, with three recently receiving 10-year sentences in hard labor. Thirty-two cases are still pending." Meanwhile on December 5, 2023, the Madang District Court convicted three male defendants on maximum penalties of five and ten years, depending on the quantity of drugs in their possession. The convicted defendants, Elvis Kote (10 years), Lucas Alphonse (5 years), and Joe Kenny (10 years), are currently awaiting commitment warrants at Jomba. This operation underscores Madang Police's commitment to enforcing the Control Substances Act, sending a clear warning to drug producers, smugglers, and users to exercise caution in their illicit activities.