Customs can check all mail: Paul

PNG Customs has an intelligence-led risk-based system to intervene and inspect all mail delivered to the country, Chief Commissioner Ray Paul, pictured, says.
Paul, in response to the concerns by Office of Censorship over import of sex-enhancement items slipping through Customs, said a more collaborative approach was required to address this issue at the border. “I am glad that the Censorship Office has raised this issue, but should not blame Customs,” he said.
“Instead, come forward to work more collaboratively with Customs.
“I can say collaboration with PNG Customs is lacking.”
The Censorship Office raised these concerns following the confiscation of 33 sex-enhancement items in Port Moresby last week.
The plastic products were sent from Hong Kong via Singapore through a courier express service.
Paul said Customs officers were not authorised under the Censorship Act to intervene at the border.
He said proper arrangements such as a memorandum-of-understanding would help a lot.
Paul urged the Censorship Office to work with Customs and provide necessary information to assist with its profiling and targeting to increase its detection rate.
“As soon as we detect, we will refer it to Censorship for appropriate actions to be taken,” he said.
Paul said technological interventions such as x-ray scanners in post offices could greatly assist efforts to address this issue.
The Censorship Act of 1989 Section 11 (a) states: “All imported sex-enhancement products in whatever state, form or shape are not permitted unless specifically prescribed by a resident doctor who can verify its use.