By BRADLEY MARIORI
THREE suspects of a crime group operating under the name Operation Brukim Tulait have been handed over to police in Lae by community members of West Taraka.
Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban said this comes after the members of the Operation Brukim Tulait (OBT) were approached by police while robbing a resident at West Taraka suburb, the criminals opened fired causing pellets to hit the vehicle and almost hit the police driver too.
He said the police gave chase after the criminals with the assistance of the community members.
The community members were able to catch three of the suspects and hand them over to police.
It is understood that others are still on the run and police will make further arrests as soon as their identities are made known through further investigations.
In response to the incident, police destroyed seven houses alleged to be owned by the suspects.
“While the homes of the suspects were destroyed, police instructed them to move out of the area and go home to where they come from,” Kunyanban said
Kunyanban warned if anyone wanted to engage in criminal activities and are caught, their homes will be demolished and families will be sent home directly.
“If you want to live and stay in Lae, then avoid engaging in criminal activities. OBT members be warned that mercy periods are over and police will make sure you face the full consequences of your actions.”
He also confirmed that during the raid by police, a factory-made gun was retrieved by police.
The Lae metropolitan criminal investigation division (CID) have launched an investigation into the incident
