Maprik District, Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, has recorded an increase in alcohol and drug-related issues over the past eight months.
According to Senior Constable, Vincent Maku, the Maprik police station receives at least three reports of alcohol or drug related crimes every day.
“Alcohol and drug especially steam and marijuana consumption are the cause of many social issues in Maprik, “Senior Constable Maku said.
This month alone, close to thirty cases of assaults on women reported to police were drug and alcohol related.
Senior Constable, Vincent Maku, said while it is a right for people to consume alcohol, they must do so responsibly.
He said, despite numerous surrendering of drugs and illegal alcohol brewing materials by Maprik’s youth, alcohol and drug-related offences are still high.
There are two police stations in Maprik district with a man power of 43 personnel. From time to time, the two stations receive man power support from nearby Pagwi station in the Wosera Gawi district.
