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By SHEILA LASIBORI
POLICE may charge a senior public servant who was caught with 50 live
bullets in his possession in Singapore’s Changi Airport in July.
Singaporean police and airport authorities are awaiting the outcome of
PNG police investigation into this incident, which occurred on July 12.
Sources said future flights from Port Moresby into Singapore may be
affected if no action was taken, but Singaporean authorities refused to
comment when asked directly if flights were under threat.
Chief of crimes Assistant Police Commissioner Raphael Huafolo, who was
tasked with the investigation poured cold water on the matter, saying
that the case against the senior officer may not be strong because
similar investigations in the past had been unsuccessful.
“I do not know how strong the case is going to be. The offence was
committed inside PNG and it was in Singapore that it was detected,” Mr
Huafolo said.
It has been alleged the senior Government official breached both PNG CAA
regulations and those of Singapore CAA.
The Singaporean police based at Changi airport told The National that
the officer was held for an hour at the airport but was allowed to
continue his flight. It is alleged he was released after PNG diplomats
intervened.
Mr Huafolo also warned that he would not be pressured or influenced into
fast-tracking the investigation.
Police Commissioner Gari Baki directed the investigations after he
received a letter from CAA director Joseph Kintau on the matter.
Mr Kintau also wrote to the Attorney-General seeking consent as required
by the CAA Act 2000, to prosecute the senior public servant, who heads a
statutory organisation.
Officer in charge of criminal investigations Supt Peter Guinness has
been directed by Mr Huafolo to take charge of the investigation.
It is alleged that on July 12 a packet with 50 live bullets of a firearm
were found in the handbag of this official by Singapore Customs officers
during a normal security check on passengers on board an Air Niugini
flight PX 392.
 
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