by Bridgette Komatep – EM TV, Port Moresby
Northern Governor Gary Juffa has called on the government to reengage the special task force set up to combat transnational crimes.
Governor Juffa said it is long overdue and the special task force must be reengaged, but with set targets.
Another concern he raised is a need for the task force to be fully funded and resourced. Apart from funding, he said the officers must be highly trained for the special operations.
Governor Gary Juffa was critical of the influx of foreigners and particularly the increased number of transnational criminals entering and leaving the country undetected.
Governor Juffa, formerly a customs commissioner himself, said the government needs to reengage the special taskforce to look into illegal immigrants and transnational crimes among others.
He however said that the task force must be fully resourced.
The immigration task force is responsible for investigating illegal immigrants, breached work permits and human smuggling. The task force was coordinated by John Bria, with support from officers from multi-agencies comprising of the police, immigration, customs and the National Intelligence Organisation.
It has been, however, dissolved.
Some successful operations of the force include the arrest and deportation of illegal immigrants in 2012.
