A MAN in Oro province has been charged by police for allegedly collecting fees from villagers and others for relief supplies dropped by helicopters.
Allan Mesa from Sakarina in the Afore district within the Ijivitari electorate was charged last Thursday with false pretense after he was flown into Popondetta by a helicopter.
Acting provincial police commander Sr Insp Samuel Jamangu said a report of the alleged collection of fees was received last Wednesday following which the man was brought in the same day and charged with false pretence including other charges.
Mr Jamangu reported that Mesa had allegedly claimed that he had purchased the goods that were being dropped off by the helicopters.
It was further alleged that Mesa claimed he had given the goods to National Disaster Centre to distribute, and that he had also hired the helicopters, which had been transporting the goods to areas inaccessible by road and sea transport.
Mr Jamangu said Mesa had reportedly collected over K1,000 from villagers and people in the past weeks.
Under the state of emergency operation, three helicopters, one from Nationair and two from Hevilift, have been engaged in the transportation of goods, security personnel and people to inaccessible parts in the province.
The Hevilift helicopter was on hire by AusAID while the other two are by the National Disaster Centre.