Customs officers probed over alleged smuggling links

By HELEN TARAWA
THE PNG Customs Service is investigating its officers allegedly involved in the smuggling of illegal items into the country.
Chief Commissioner Ray Paul said there was a syndicate in Customs in which officers were allegedly paid by people outside to facilitate cargo passing through.
“Our Internal Affairs are working on a programme and investigation is continuing,” Paul said.
“We are sure that not long from now, we will be making some arrests which will lead to the suspension and dismissal of officers.
“That’s the message I’m sending to anyone in the business of bribing Customs officers. Please stop because when we get to you, your business is gone.”
Paul said the outcome of the investigations on the syndicate would be revealed soon.
“It’s not a good thing. It doesn’t look good at all when we have people we look after doing this,” he said.
Paul said there was a trend in people bringing in a lot of cigarettes without declaring them correctly to customs.
“As part of our work in managing the borders, protecting our community and revenue, and facilitating trade, it is important that everyone who comes to do business respects the laws of this nation.”