By VERONICA MANUK
POLICE in East New Britain has arrested seven suspects charged for serious crimes during a raid in various villages of Rabaul and shot two notorious criminals.
Acting provincial police commander Chief Insp Samuel Niba said police used the festive season to stage raids in several villages of Rabaul.
They arrested the seven suspects who had been issued with bench warrant by the Kokopo National Court.
He said the seven suspects were charged with various crimes including rape, robbery and murder and there were part of 218 suspects wanted by the National Court.
He said so far police had re-arrested 20 prisoners while 198 were at large.
About 130 police officers were on Christmas duties doing foot patrols, raiding villages and doing normal operation.
The full force is expected to be in operation for the New Year too.
Mr Niba also said police shot two notorious criminals wanted for serious of various crimes.
They were Linus Vincent, 36, from Arawe in West New Britain province and Terry Ume, 28, from Central province.
Vincent died at Vunapope St Mary’s Hospital while Terry is recovering at Nonga Hospital.
Mr Niba said the crackdown on lawlessness and hunt for wanted suspects would continue into the New Year and warned residents to celebrate the festive period peacefully and cooperate with police in their operations.