Foreigner arrested for breaching liquor law

National

By JOSHUA MANI
A FOREIGNER in Wewak, East Sepik, has been charged with breaching the province’s liquor regulations and obstruction, according to police.
East Sepik police commander Superintendent Albert Beli said the man of Chinese origin was allegedly caught with 13 cartons of beer in his truck for delivery to retailers on Saturday.
Beli said the man also tried to hinder a search of the vehicle by police. A liquor ban was in effect in the province for the Easter long weekend.
Beli said there was a directive on zero tolerance of alcohol given by the provincial administration for the Easter period.
He said the offender was released on K1000 bail and was expected to appear at the Wewak district court tomorrow.
Beli urged the Chinese community in Wewak to convene a meeting so he and someone from the Wewak Town Council could talk them about regulations regarding trading in Wewak.
“I appreciate the services they provide to the people of East Sepik but I call on the president (of the Chinese association) to ensure they follow directives and the health and sanitation regulations we have here,” Beli said.
“Everyone must follow regulations placed by authorities, even our international friends.”
Meanwhile, last Thursday, a police officer stationed at Angoram was cut with a knife at Kanduanum village. Beli said he has dispatched a unit from Wewak to arrest the offenders.
He said Joshua Kaukudi, the Angoram police station commander, had also sent his men to find the offenders who had gone into hiding.
“I as the PPC will not tolerate any attack on my men. We will not rest until we catch and arrest them,” Beli said
He assured that the injured police officer received two stitches, was stable and recovering well.