Illegal items destroyed

THE PNG Defence Force has confirmed that K148,000 worth of goods were destroyed last month as the country cracks down on illegal products coming over the border into Vanimo, West Sepik.
PNGDF chief of staff Capt Philip Polewara told The National that the items were all contraband and prohibited.
“Among the items confiscated by the soldiers was a .22 rifle with a telescopic lens attached to the top of the rifle,” he said.
He said the cost of the fire crackers was K120,000 while the rifle would sell for K20,000.
Among other contraband were cigarettes valued at K3,000 and food stuff valued at K5,000.
According to soldiers in Vanimo, depending on where you sell the fire crackers you can get them in Port Moresby for K120,000, Lae would see the total cost of K70, 000 and Wewak would be selling them for K40,000.
Capt Polewara commended Moem Barracks’ charlie company for ensuring the items were not brought into the country and said more needed to be done.
“The border has been locked down after the Covid-19 hit PNG.”
He said despite the lockdown, locals still violated the rules and crossed the border.
“They cross over and bring across items that are prohibited or banned by the Government.”