Lae people warned to get rid of illegal firecrackers

PEOPLE in Lae in possession of illegal firecrackers can be charged under the Dangerous Goods Act, says Kelly Sop, the Lae Urban local level government law and order committee secretary.
Sop said illegal firecrackers known as “pop guns” were dangerous and could harm people.
Police and law and order committee members will conduct a joint operation during the festive period to maintain peace and order.
“Pop gun firecrackers are not allowed to be sold in the country,” Sop said.
“It is usually smuggled across the border from Indonesia and is illegal.
“We have had instances in the past in Lae and other provinces where people armed with firecrackers had injured others.
“I witnessed an incident in Kamkumung last year where a group of youths fired a firecracker onto a police vehicle.”
Sop warned people selling or in possession of the dangerous item to dispose of them immediately.
Sop said more than 1000 law and order committee officials would back police in the festive season operations.
“I urge residents to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the comfort of their homes,” Sop said.
“Don’t come out onto the streets drunk and making a lot of noise.”