Customs eyes reward system

The National Main Stories

THE PNG Customs Service (PNGCS) will introduce a reward system as an incentive to stop the trading of illicit items into the country.
Chief Commissioner Ray Paul, pictured, said Customs wanted a review of its laws with tougher penalties.
He said when that comes in place, they would reward anyone starting with figures at K10,000 to K15,000.
“This is something that the Customs have approved, the reward system will come into place, we believe that this can pull additional people who are concealing goods, importing and selling as well,” he said.
“Apart from that, our penalties would be reviewed again.”
Paul will include the review
of all customs penalties and
powers.
“We hope to conclude in the First Quarter of 2019. We want to make it harsher so that it deters people and disrupts them of a thought to start into illicit trade,” he said.
“Those are the things that we are working on and I think it will be a big one and we will be doing consultation before we bring it on to Cabinet.
“It is very important that we have to consult other agencies as well so that when we start that and when it becomes a law so anybody that is caught will be dealt with severely.”
Paul added that there were close to 15 proposed Border Posts location to be declared and opened however, PNGCS intends to work on the following prioritise areas:

  • Bewani – Vanimo Green, Sandaun;
  •  Green River – Vanimo Green, Sandaun;
  •  Tumulbil, Telefomin, Sandaun;
  •  Ambaga – North Fly, Western;
  •  Manda – Middle Fly, Western;
  •  Weam – South Fly, Western;
  •  Bula – South Fly, Western;
  •  Kangu, South Bougainville, AROB; and,
  •  Kekere (Sirowai), Central Bougainville, AROB.
    “PNG Customs will be working with PNG Defence Force and border agencies to deliver this project,” he said.