Festive ops targets alcohol, homebrew, marijuana offenders

By JAMES GUMUNO
THE Christmas and New Year police operations in the Highlands region targets alcohol, homebrew and marijuana offenders.
Enga and Southern Highlands police commanders Chief Supt Martin Lakari and Acting Supt Epenes Nili told The National that they would be hard on drunkards and those taking illegal substances.
Lakari said drunkards were usually the cause of problems during the festive period.
“My police officers started our pre-Christmas and New Year operations last week and we are targeting drunkards, drinking in public places, in moving vehicles, home-brew producers and those smoking marijuana,” he said.
He said 10 people had been arrested and charged with various charges under Road Traffic Act and Summary Offence Amended Act since the operation started.
He said police would set up roadblocks and check vehicles entering and leaving the Southern Highlands at its borders with Hela, Western Highlands and Enga provinces.
Lakari warned people not to smuggle alcohol or any offensive weapons into the province.
“If police catch you, you will celebrate Christmas and New Year in the cellblock, bail will be refused,” he said.
He also warned owners of unregistered vehicles not to take their vehicles out on public roads.
He urged church members and families planning to celebrate the Christmas to do so in their homes and not out on the road or at a public place.
Nili also expressed the same sentiment last week in Wabag during a parade.
He said police would target people drinking alcohol in cars, in public places and those producing, consuming and selling homebrew.
“In this Christmas and New Year period we want to make sure that there are no alcohol related problems,” he said.
Nili said four people had already been arrested for alcohol-related offences and had been convicted and fined by the court.