The Madang Provincial Police Commander is appealing to the residents of Madang to be vigilant of suspicious persons in their communities, and to inform police quickly.
Superintendent, Jacob Singura, says Madang is the entry point of unlicensed firearms smuggled in from the border.
The community and the stakeholders have been asked to assist police in providing information of suspected persons.
Guns smuggled into the province has become a concern for the local police. The total strength of at least 300 personnel is not adequate.
“Police officers in Madang had to tackle the constant law and order problems in the community, at the same time trying to track down people smuggling in unlicensed firearms,” Singura said.
In addition they will be providing security for the election process. A task Singura says will require the support from both the community and stakeholders.
Singura, said unlicensed firearms to be in the hands of criminals not only pose a risk during the election. But, it can be used to committee robberies or even used to attack another person.
The provincial Police Commander is appealing to residents in Madang to come forward and assist police with any information. This is to prevent and contain the movement of unlicensed firearms out of Madang into Morobe and the Highlands provinces.
