Cocaine bust five also facing money laundering charge

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
THE three locals and two foreigners allegedly involved in the K160 million drug bust in Papa-Lealea outside Port Moresby on July 26 will also be charged with money laundering, police say.
Australian aircraft pilot David John Cutmore, 52, is already facing charges of conveying smuggled goods and unauthorised air travel.
Italian yacht owner Carlo D’Attanasio has already been charged with smuggling prohibited goods.
Locals Dominic Telauki Terupa, Morgan Mogu and Shane Dikana have already been charged with aiding foreigners and smuggling prohibited goods.
The five men were allegedly involved in the moving of 644 kilograms of cocaine to be airlifted to Australia via a Cessna 402C aircraft.
The aircraft crashed on take-off at Papa Lealea.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Donald Yamasombi said the five would be charged too with one count each of money laundering.
“We have also charged each men with one count each of money laundering under the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Act 2015.”
Yamasombi said the 38 bags each weighing around 23 kilograms were being kept at an undisclosed location.
Yamasombi confirmed that PNG and Australia through their mutual legal assistance were working on the case.
“The drugs has not been sent to Australia as yet.
“It’s still here.”