Latest attack puts spotlight on piracy in Sepik and Ambunti

POLICE in East Sepik are looking at ways to stop piracy in the Sepik River and Ambunti.
Provincial police commander Robert Gesa said that piracy had been common in the area over the years but little had been done with it.
“A piracy case was reported last Wednesday where a substantial amount of money and valuable items were taken by six suspected criminals with masks from a group travelling up the Sepik River in the early hours of the morning,” he said.
Gesa said he was yet to receive the full report.
He said he would look into reports of past piracy cases to see if they had been dealt with. Gesa said villagers using the river should take precautions.
He said most incidents happen in the early hours of the morning and in the night so travellers should take note of that and avoid travelling in those hours.
Gesa said pirates were believed to be youths and men from the nearby villages. “Currently we have only two police officers manning the area so I will be visiting the district to see what I can do to restore manpower to address piracy and other law and order issues,” Gesa said.
He said police in the area lack resources like boats and communication equipment.