By Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV News, Port Moresby
An increase in aviation smuggling of contraband items has law enforcement agencies concerned.
Airport Police Station Commander, Robert Wane, warned the public not to involve themselves in such activities. Commander Wane said airport police will tighten measures after seeing the rise in smuggling of marijuana, betel nut and mustard.
Yesterday, the airport police and National Airports Corporation seized 31 bags of mustard. Wane said that despite security checks, items still often pass through.
“Passengers are not afraid of doing such illegal activities,” said Wane.
Two suspects were arrested, and later a further four people were apprehended by police. The 31 bags of mustard were flown in from Kokoda in the Northern province with a total street estimation of K77,000 if sold.
Around 3pm again, 18 bags of mustard were intercepted on an Air Niugini flight from Lae to Port Moresby.
“I want to warn those who are taking risk in such smuggling activities,” Commander Wane said.
Last week Saturday, Boroko police arrested a security officer at the airport after he signed-off for luggage containing more than 5kg of marijuana from a PNG Air flight from Goroka.
