The emerging threat in the country right now that needs the attention of law enforcement authorities and the state, is the trade of illicit substance and money laundering.
This was stated by the Acting Deputy Commissioner Special Operations Donald Yamasombi during the second day of the National Security Seminar held at the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Research Institute (NRI) in Port Moresby.
Yamasombi stated that this is not only the case in the country but also across the region, following the recent series of drug busts that have occurred over the past 3-4 months, indicating a paradigm shift from plant based Narcotics to Synthetic drugs and this is worrying for the country.
“What we are getting through our networking with international bodies as well as within the region, we are finding that there is a paradigm shift now and we are finding that more people are going into synthetic drugs.”
Yamasombi emphasized during his presentation that this is a very serious concern and has raised alarm on how the country will be able to contain this situation for the generations that will carry the country forward. With regard to money laundering, just recently two foreign nationals were apprehended by police trying to enter the country with K11, 000 worth of demonetized currency.
How it’s entering the country, the DCP said is a mystery. He added that there are some instances that people who have been deported have tried to return to the country under new names and new passports. Meanwhile, Yamasombi also mentioned a rise in Cybercrimes, such as hacking and Cyber bullying.