Concern over dinghies used to smuggle drugs, people

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
A DISTRICT Covid-19 coordinator in West Sepik is concerned that dinghies are still travelling between Aitape and Indonesia despite the heavy presence of joint security task force members.
Sissano Lagoon Covid-19 coordinator Peter Saroya said the dinghies were used by drug smugglers to take drugs to Jayapura.
“Last Sunday night, three persons of interest (POI) snuck into Rainbrum River at the edge of the lagoon after travelling almost four hours from Jayapura while a PNG Defence Force patrol boat (HMPNGS Dreger) was patrolling there,” he said.
“And after dropping off the POIs, the dinghy operator returned to Jayapura.
“I’m also concerned that the police mobile squad based near the river also left for Aitape last Sunday.
“This is the third time POIs have snuck into Rainbrum from Jayapura since the border closed.”
Saroya said that they managed to arrest two of the POIs and quarantine them at the Aitape station.
The other one escaped.
“I’m the Covid-19 coordinator for the Nimas, Amsor, Mainar and Maindroin villages along Sissano Lagoon in the West Aitape local level government with about 6,000 people,” he said.
“I’m concerned that these POIs are coming straight from Jayapura without any medical test results.
“There are 22 Covid-19 cases that are officially reported in Jayapura.
“But cases are increasing there because it is densely populated.
“And we are concerned that if any of these POIs sneak into Sissano Lagoon, it will spread easily among us.
“I’m calling on State Of Emergency Controller David Manning to immediately assess the Covid-19 operations in the province”.
Meanwhile, Aitape development authority chief executive officer Allan Kango confirmed that two POIs were quarantined at the Aitape station.
“And, yes, I know that dinghies are still travelling between Aitape and Jayapura because locals with business interest in Jayapura are monitoring the movement of the security forces.”