Man pleads guilty to drug charge

MARIJUANA has been the root cause of many social problems in terms of law and order issues in the country and those dealing with its consumption or trade should face tougher penalties to send a clear message, a court official says.
Police prosecutor Sgt Albert Sakarias made the remarks in the Lae District Court yesterday when making his submission on sentencing for a man charged with being in possession of eight K1 rolls marijuana.
Ezekiel Siung, 29, from Nanduo village in Finschhafen, Morobe, pleaded guilty to the drug charge before Magistrate Isaac Tjipet.
Sgt Sakarias submitted in court that dangerous drug offences carried only custodial sentences with a minimum of three months to a maximum of two years in jail.
He asked the court to impose a maximum penalty by law on Siung to serve as a deterrent to others not to deal with the illegal substance.
“It is for the safety of everyone in the community that a deterrent sentence is imposed,” Sgt Sakarias said.
“Marijuana drug is a dangerous drug and when consumed, makes a person crazy.”