39 students held as police pounce on drinking party

National

By CHRISTOPHER YOWAT
POLICE arrested 39 male secondary school students in Port Moresby on Saturday after they were allegedly drinking homebrew in a public place.
Waigani Police Station commander Inspector Jerry Yawa told The National that they were allegedly drinking homebrew near the bush at Ensisi Valley.
Yawa said police officers on patrol in the area saw more than 50 students drinking. But they managed to arrest only 39 after they fled up the slope between June Valley and Ensisi.
He said the students were aged between 14 and 19 and were attending a school in Gerehu.
Yawa said 38 of the 39 students were interviewed and released.
The “ring leader” of the group was remanded in custody.
“Some students were innocent. They were forced into it because of peer pressure,” Yawa said.
He warned students to stay away from such activities and concentrate on their school work. Parents must carefully monitor children,” Yawa said.
“Parental control is lacking and that is one reason behind children behaving that way. Children must be mindful not to spoil their parents’ reputation and hard work. Students must know that such activities will tarnish their future.”