Alcohol smuggling rife: Police

 Liquor smuggling into Bougainville from the Solomon Islands is rampant because police lack capacity to monitor crossing vessels, police said.   

Of particular interest is the passage between Bougainville and Shortland Island in the Western Province of Solomon Island.

South Bougainville regional commander Sen Sgt John Popui said the uncensored import of Solomon Brew and Saratoga, a premix alcoholic beverage, transported to North and South Bougainville fetched good prices because of high alcohol content.

Stolen properties, particularly outboard motors, from South Bougainville were reportedly seen often in Shortland Island.

“We are doing all that we can but we do not have the capability to effectively monitor and regulate the waterways and entry points, which are the corridors for unregulated imports, exports and criminal activities.” Popui said.

“Police cannot do this alone and needs the support of government agencies and resources.” 

Popui appealed to the Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands governments to implement measures to discourage smuggling.

Popui said if alcoholic beverages could make it to Papua New Guinea  shores without penalties and sold without tax and duty fees, then other contraband, guns and drugs could be brought into Bougainville easily.