Draft review of drug law set

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A DRAFT legislation on the review of penalties for the use and abuse of illicit drugs such as cocaine, has been prepared for Cabinet’s consideration, an official says.
Secretary to the Department of Justice and Attorney-General Dr Eric Kwa told The National that the National Narcotics Bureau had worked on the proposed law review with department officials.
Dr Kwa said laws related to drugs and alcohol were outdated, dating back to 1951.
The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission was tasked to review the law and propose changes.
“There is a deficiency in the law on drugs as they do not appreciate the modern trends and modern drugs,” he said.
“So, obviously, it’s weak.”
The deficiency in the law was exposed during the recent K160 million drug haul when an Australian-bound small aircraft, loaded with more than 600kg of cocaine failed to take off from an unregistered airstrip outside Port Moresby on July 26.
Dr Kwa said the National Narcotics Bureau was the mandated authority to review the drug laws.
“It started last year,” he said.
“We, now, have a draft that is ready to go to relevant ministers for further direction.” The draft review will be submitted to the Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development Wake Goi and Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Davis Steven to take to Cabinet.
“That’s how fast we have moved,” Dr Kwa said.

7 comments

  • That is nice to know. We need you guys to speed it up as international drug syndicates have been eyeing PNG as the best transit point into Australia due to our geographical proximity to Australia!

  • Way to go. Police have confiscated more than enough Marijuana however people got away due to less penalty

  • Just like always. Something big needs to happen first before responsible people act or react to it. There is never an automatic update.

  • We need to seriously deal with cannabis consumption amongst our youths. Drug users tend to start with softer drugs such as tobacco and cannabis before graduating to hard drugs. But I commend the government, a move in the right direction.

  • This Australian pilot must not leave PNG until all investigation is complete and justice is served. Through this pilot, we will know who he is working for in PNG and Australia aswell. I believe this drug sindicate has been operating for many years without being caught. By the way this Government is dealing with the issue since the plane crash, I won’t be surprise if some of our politicians are involved.

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