Police get serious on sea patrols between Madang and Lae

By DUNCAN WILLIS
THERE are reports of incidences of piracy taking place between Lae, Finschhafen and Basamuk Bay in Madang, assistant commissioner of police and divisional commander of Momase Giossi Labi said yesterday during his last news conference for the year.
“Although these are unconfirmed reports, police are investigating and will make a stand because K6 million has been set aside in the budget to purchase police boats since many a times criminals take advantage of the sea because there is no police presence in the sea as on land,” he said.
He said although the biggest problem police faced were resources, logistics and manpower, these did not linger the force from attending to duties as they tried with what resources they had.
“We have mounted festive operations with limited funding but we are doing a good job as more unsafe vehicles and careless drunk drivers are taken off the roads and innocent lives are being protected as police continue uphold their duties,” he said.
He said in the last three days, the police and road transport officers had collected K20,000 from road infringement offences.
To round-up the year, he said, major accidents that happened throughout the year included the Umi Bridge accident, the escape and capturing of notorious criminal William Kapris, the rape of Australian tourists in Madang and Landowner issues in Basamuk and Wafi.
“I must commend my man for capturing PNG’s “most expensive criminal as he is now facing justice. Police throughout the year have done their best to contain lawlessness in the region,” he said.
“While people of all walks of life take a decent break, police will be out in full force to ensure everyone enjoys this festive season.
“Police operations is to ensure festive periods are respected in the true sprit of festive, as I also acknowledge and appreciate business communities for the support they have shown to Police especially the Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry, NGOs, churches and others,” he said.
Labi also welcomed the public to report any complaints about the police referring to a news report about the wife of a officer who suffered at the hands of her husband a police officer, which he said, was “uncalled for”.