Act aspects to be considered

THE case of Australian pilot David John Cutmore, 52, charged under the Pandemic Act for his alleged involvement in the K160 million drug bust outside Port Moresby, was adjourned to Oct 2 for the prosecution to respond to directives issued by Magistrate Laura Kuvi.
Magistrate Kuvi said that matter was before her, where she had directed for certain things to be considered under the Pandemic Act.
“I have directed for certain things to be considered under that because section 47 (1) (a) are referred to as administrative charges under the National Pandemic Act,” she said.
“Secondly, the nature of the Pandemic Act makes the controller a regulator, so whether the informant, as a police officer has the authority to charge under the Act.”
Boas Binuali for prosecution asked for a short adjournment to get instructions from Controller David Manning as he was out of the province.
Cutmore’s other charge under the Customs Act of conveying smuggled goods before Magistrate Magaru, will also be heard on Oct 2.
Cutmore was arraigned earlier on the new charge of concealing and dealing with criminal property at the Waigani Committal Court by Magistrate Tracy Ganaii.
His case is likely to be transferred to the Central Committal Court because the offence was committed in Central.
He remains in remand.