Cops start operations

National, Normal
Source:

By JEFFREY ELAPA

POLICE in Madang have started a crackdown on crime in the province, dealing with offences such as vehicle defects to giving notices to evict illegal settlers.
Over the weekend, police led by provincial police commander Chief Insp Anthony Wagambie Jr, went to some of the settlements to issue notices to illegal settlers to voluntarily evict and leave for their homes.
The Banana block beside the Lutheran school of nursing was the first settlement to be given notice for tenants to move.
Also during the weekend, many drivers were caught in surprise as police set up roadblocks to track down  on faulty and overloaded vehicles.
Traffic officer Frank Makora said police would continue to set up roadblocks as part of addressing law and order issues in the province.
He also said that as normal  police operations during the festive season, police would continue to maintain roadblocks to minimise illegal activities in the province.
He said many unregistered, defective and overloaded vehicles were around and police would act against these drivers.
At the same time, searching of weapons, especially in tinted vehicles, was another major area they will be checking on.
Movement of people is being closely monitored by police, especially between 10pm and 6am.
Police station commander Snr Insp Steven Kaipa went around town advising people to assist police to restrict their movement during odd hours.
He also warned PMVs travelling in from Lae and the Highlands not to park their vehicles and sleep along the seafront.
All liquor outlets have ceased trading and the ban would continue for the next three months.