Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Northern Command, Chris Kunyanban, has sounded the alarm over the illegal smuggling of fireworks into Papua New Guinea, calling it a persistent threat to public safety. Kunyanban said while the importation of fireworks is regulated by law, gaps in border security have allowed contraband to flow into provinces like Lae, Madang, Wewak, and even the Highlands. “Limited resources and stretched police capacity make it difficult to monitor and secure our borders effectively,” he said. He added that illegal fireworks often accompany other smuggled goods, including firearms. The issue was highlighted after the recent arrest of Delian Amia in Madang. Police intercepted a PMV truck in Bogia District and seized two large bags of firecrackers. Amia was fined K1,000 and sentenced to 12 months of hard labor. Kunyanban urged stronger collaboration between agencies to close the gaps in border enforcement and curb the smuggling of dangerous goods.