By Lucy Kopana – EMTV News, Lae
Members of the National Crime Investigation Unit (NCIU) and customs officers intercepted twenty- seven boxes of firecrackers and a box of fireworks, at a sea port in Lae.
The shipment was being sent from Vanimo to Kimbe, when police in Lae were alerted.
Assistant Commissioner Police (ACP) for Northern Region, Peter Guiness, said although this may not seem like a big problem, the use of such items by the general public is dangerous.
“They have got to be very careful in how they go about handling these kinds of things. It is prohibited in Papua New Guinea, and they should not be using them.”
Lae Metropolitan Commander, Anthony Wagambie Jr, is warning the general public not to use these prohibited items during the festive period, saying people have also started using fireworks as weapons.
Mr. Wagambie said whilst police were attending to a clash in the miles area last week, people used fireworks to fire at police.
ACP Guiness commended the efforts of both police and customs officers.
“The suspect who actually sent those items from Vanimo is known and he will be picked up very soon; and he will be dealt with in Vanimo and who these items are consigned to is also known.”
