In a strong warning to drug traffickers, the Tabubil District Court in Western Province, sentenced a man to six years with hard labor for possession of 4.5 kilograms of marijuana, with a street value close to K30, 000. The acting North Fly Police Commander, Inspector Anjap Minata, confirmed that the defendant, Mr. Ipark Amlat, 38, from Sanapte village in Oksapmin, Teleformin District, West Sepik Province, initially appeared before the Tabubil District Court, where he pled guilty. The court then adjourned the case to allow the prosecution to submit recommendations for sentencing. On November 6, 2024, Amlat returned to court for sentencing and was handed a six-year prison term with hard labor. Inspector Minata explained that, accounting for the 25 days Amlat spent in pre-trial detention, he will serve five years, 11 months, and five days at Ningrume Correctional Services in Western Province. Amlat was apprehended on October 12, 2024, between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., when police found him with 4.5 kilograms of marijuana, estimated to have a street value of K20,000 to K30,000. He was charged under Section 3 (1)(d) of the Dangerous Drug Act for possession. Inspector Minata issued a stern warning to those engaged in the drug trade, saying, “I warn those people who are engaged in drug trading business to take this as a lesson and quit from involving in these illegal activities." "It is a fast-money-making business, but by doing this illegal business, you are only destroying the lives of younger generations of this nation." "The public are already tired of individuals who are involved in these illegal activities, and soon, the public will front up and manhandle you.” Inspector Minata further emphasized the police’s commitment to cracking down on drug activities in the region, stating, “If police catch you in possession or carrying marijuana drugs, then you will be arrested and charged and will still end up in jail just like our friend.” The ruling sends a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Western Province, as authorities work to keep communities safe from its impact.