Arrested for discharging firearm

POLICE in Manus have arrested a suspect for possessing and discharging a firearm in Lorengau town recently and is expected to appear in court yesterday.
Provincial police commander Chief Insp David Yapu said the suspect allegedly had an argument with his wife.
Out of frustration, the suspect discharged three shots in the air causing panic.
The matter was reported to the Lorengau Police Station and the suspect’s parents assisted police with their son’s surrender.
Chief Insp Yapu said the suspect was charged on three counts – possession of an unlicensed firearm; unlawful discharge of firearm in a public place; and, possession of live ammunition.
Chief Insp Yapu said the firearm was traded with people transporting betel nuts by boat to Lorengau town and was given to the suspect.
He warned people not to buy or accept firearms into Manus.
Chief Insp Yapu directed his officers to step up sea surveillance to monitor boats transporting betel nuts from other provinces into Lorengau town.
He said in the past, they had confiscated firearms with ammunition and large quantities of drugs going into Manus by boats carrying betel nuts.