Cocaine 7 still in custody

By JACKLYN SIRIAS
THE seven foreigners arrested in connection with discovery of cocaine in Alotau last month remain in custody awaiting police experts from Port Moresby to investigate the case.
Acting Milne Bay police commander George Bayagau said the team from Port Moresby included officers from the drug squad, detectives and interpreters from the Immigration Department will arrive next week.
He said six of the men were of Asian origin and one from Europe could not speak English and needed an interpreter.
Police also need transport to interview witnesses on the island where the drugs were found.
The seven were detained at the Alotau police station and are yet to be charged.
Bayagau said the Immigration department had completed investigations into the illegal entry of the seven.
“Once the police complete their part of the investigation on the confiscated drug, then formal charges will be laid on the men both for alleged illegal entry and drug smuggling,” he said.
Bayagau said the seven were initially charged with trespassing.
An Australia laboratory where a sample of the drug was sent to confirmed that it is cocaine.
The seven who were found on Budibudi island last month are believed to be part of an international drug syndicate.
A vessel they allegedly used was found near Tuam Island in Morobe and is grounded there.