Abel, Milne Bay chip in to fund hunt for Baker

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
POLICE Commissioner Gari Baki says the hunt for notorious gang leader Tommy Maeva Baker continues – thanks to funding from Alotau MP Charles Abel and the Milne Bay government.
He said the constabulary had no funds to conduct such special operations.
“That’s why we requested (Deputy Prime Minister) Abel who is the Treasurer and Alotau MP,” Baki said.
“I’m very happy about it. And the Milne Bay government has also helped.”
He said the funds were deposited in the Commissioner’s Trust Account and used to fund the daily expenses of police officers on the ground in Milne Bay, looking for Baker.
“Much of the funds have been used on the upkeep of the members of the Air Tactical Unit and mobile squads in Alotau,” Baki said.
“About K1.2 million has been exhausted and the operation is still ongoing.
“We are now reviewing the operations because the cost is getting to us. And the longer we maintain the unit there, the higher the cost. They have been there for six months now.”
Baker and his gang, some of whom have been arrested, were allegedly involved in criminal activities in Alotau town and in other parts of the province.
Meanwhile, acting Milne Bay provincial police commander Insp Andrew Weda said investigations into criminal activities committed since 2013 had been completed.
He said 13 members of the gang had been arrested and had appeared before the district courts in Port Moresby and Alotau on various charges relating to the criminal activities.