Accused of having in possession gun, drug

A MAN from East Sepik is expected to appear in the Wewak District court today charged with having in his possession a PNG Defence Force-issued firearm and about 3kg of processed marijuana, police say.
East Sepik police commander (PPC) Supt Albert Beli said the man was arrested during a recent police raid in one of the villages near Wewak town.
“The suspect has been monitored for almost three years based on a tip that he had been allegedly dealing with drugs and firearms,” Supt Beli said.
“Police conducted a dawn raid and arrested him.
“In his possession was a SLR (self-loading rifle), it’s a PNGDF issue and two magazines and the firearm is still operational.
“At the same time, (he had) two bags of dried and processed marijuana weighing 3.07kg.
“This amount of marijuana can fetch a substantial amount of money,” Supt Beli said.
He said police believed there could be others involved with the suspect in drug and firearm smuggling.
The suspect was charged yesterday with being in possession of a firearm and drugs.
Supt Beli said police bail was refused.
“Im encouraged by citizens reporting and arrests happening in Wewak and the province,” Supt Beli said.