Aust gives Ramsi boats to police

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POLICE have received three boats from Australia which were used during the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (Ramsi) operation in Honiara.
Sergeant John Vaki of the Water Police Unit said the boats, two rubber dinghies, four 60horsepower engines and two vehicles were brought over from Honiara on the HMPNGS Lakekamu on Monday.
“Ramsi operations are winding down,” he said.
“We are pleased that the Australian Federal Police are donating these vessels, engines and vehicles to us.
“They are needed as criminal activities such as sea piracy, drugs and firearms smuggling, dynamite fishing are on the rise in the coastal areas of the country.”
Vaki said the country had a large maritime area to cover. “PNG has isolated islands in the Bismarck and Solomon seas, rugged coastlines, vast swampy areas and large rivers,” he said.
“A lot of criminal activities are happening in these areas.
“Such assistance from the Australian Federal Police is needed for the Water Police to enforce law and order.”