Manhunt for Baker called off

THE manhunt or operation to recapture Milne Bay fugitive Tommy Baker has been called off because funding for the operation has dried up, says ACP operations Jim Andrews.
Andrews told The National that the team from the McGregor Barracks were still in Milne Bay and were carrying out normal police duties and working on restoring law and order in the province.
“The funding for the manhunt is a separate funding that was placed into a trust account and that money has all been exhausted during the operations in which 15 people were arrested,” Andrews said.
“But despite this, Baker is still a fugitive and we appeal to the public to work with us and help us to capture him.
“Currently, the operation on recapturing Baker has been put on hold until such time we receive funding to continue with the operation.”
Andrews said most of 15 men, who were arrested in connection with Baker, were charged and serving time at the Bomana prison in Port Moresby.
Baker allegedly led the gang that terrorised and robbed communities in Milne Bay and parts of Central since late last year.
The gang is also accused of setting fire to a home in Alotau and killing at least two people.