Police in Menyamya District of Morobe province have busted a major drug trade, seizing 47kg of marijuana and arresting six suspects in a targeted operation.
The illegal drugs are estimated to be worth between K40,000 and K50,000 on the streets.
The suspects were caught on March 30th when police intercepted a vehicle carrying 12 bags of marijuana. The six men, all from Hanjua Village, had been under police surveillance for weeks.
Menyamya Acting Police Station Commander, Sergeant George Gambu, said the operation was a major success in the fight against drugs.
“This is a big win for us,” he said. “We are committed to stopping drugs from destroying our communities.”
He also stressed the importance of cooperation between police and the public.
“We need the community’s help to fight drug-related crimes,” he said. “If you see or hear anything suspicious, report it to us.”
Authorities believe the drugs were destined for major urban centers like Port Moresby and Kerema. Investigations are ongoing to uncover others involved in the trafficking network.
This latest drug bust follows a similar operation last year in which six men were arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Police say they will continue their crackdown to keep communities safe.