Customs rake in K2.31 billion

By DAVID WAPAR
IN just its second year as an independent government agency, the Papua New Guinea Customs Services collected K2.31 billion for the state, its annual report says.
Acting Commissioner Ray Paul said K6 million came from the sale of cargo from four seized vessels.
He said the service regarded its joint operations with police in detecting smuggling, contraband and other illegal activities as a major achievement.Among other achievements were administration penalties imposed on foreign vessels failing to comply with port regulations, the establishment of customs user-pay account and the implementation of a service plan to align with medium-term developments for 2010-15.
The container examination facility (CEF) in Lae, successful 13th annual Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) meeting hosted in Port Moresby and the launching of the Customs Strategic Risk Management Plan were among other achievements.The report said the customs’ Operation X-mas gift last year detected a substantial breach of the Customs Act and evasion of duties, and that the agency looked forward to boosting its performance through domestic and international cooperation.
Paul said 2011 was a challenging year for the agency as it had to cope with the country’s oil and gas boom and inadequate resources, facilities and manpower.He said with the support of their Australian counterparts through the Strongim Gavman Programme (SGP), the department was able to continue to deliver services.Paul said the service was focused on recruitment and employment within the agency, relocating its headquarters and southern region offices, building institutional capacity, implement construction and installing CEF in Lae and Port Moresby and provide housing for its staff.
He said Customs aimed to establish a training academy, optimise technology in its activities and review and develop the Customs Service Plan.