4 drug suspects seek bail

By GEORGINA KOREI
A MAGISTRATE yesterday told lawyers representing two foreigners and two locals charged with being in possession of 170grams of methamphetamine to file their bail applications in the National Court.
Waigani Committal Court Magistrate Danny Wakikura said: “You can file bail applications for the higher court to consider.”
In court were Leong Aunfong, 42, of Pulai, Malaysia; Tan Kheng Soon, 29, of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Daniel Andi, 32, of Apia village in Mendi, Southern Highlands; and, Niaka Viri of Korobosea in the National Capital District.
Police Prosecutor Senior Sergeant Joseph Sangam informed the court that Andi, represented by a lawyer from the Public Solicitor’s office, was out on bail.
“The prosecution objected to bail for the other three.
“So they can file their bail applications for the higher court to consider,” he said.
Lawyer Paul Paraka, representing Aunfong, asked the court to adjourn the case to next week as a plea matter so they could continue to trial. The case has been adjourned to April 5.
It is alleged that around 4pm on Nov 16, 2022, Andi and Viri took a package to the PNG Air Freight Ltd at Seven-Mile in Port Moresby to be cleared as a document.
Andi, the taxi driver, allegedly took the package into the office while Viri waited in the taxi.
When the package was scanned, an irregular substance was identified.
A company staff member then called the police, who nabbed Andi.
He then took them to Viri.
Police discovered 170grams of methamphetamine in the small sealed packages marked “documents”.
Viri said it was packed by Aunfong, and she was sent to have them cleared as “documents”.
Police went to Aunfong’s apartment at Range View the same afternoon.
He allegedly admitted having methamphetamine and cannabis in the unit.
Police found Soon at the unit.
When they were read their charges in January, only Aunfong pleaded guilty.