Female customs officer arrested

By SAMUEL RAITANO
A FEMALE Customs official was arrested yesterday in Port Moresby for trying to procure bribery from an alcohol manufacturing company.
According to Customs Commissioner, Gary Juffa, the officer was in the act of negotiating commission when the company notified the Customs Border Security.
Juffa said the official was caught by her colleagues who worked as undercover agents to prevent retrieving of goods at the wharf through corrupt deals.
The official is expected to be charged with committing serious disciplinary and criminal offences, and will face dismissal and forfeiture of her entitlements, along with a possible jail term or a hefty fine.
The officer was attached to the Customs Southern Region Department and is currently in custody.
Juffa said an internal investigation unit shall come into operation nest year to investigate allegations of impropriety of customs officers and those who corroborate with corrupt officers.
“Majority of the customs officers are hard working honest public servants who are trying their best under difficult circumstances and the few who tarnish this image will not be treated lightly,” he said.