Naru gives K300,000 for firearms

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

POLICE in Morobe have been given money by Governor Kelly Naru to buy more firearms.

Naru gave a cheque for K296,725 to Lae metropolitan commander Supt Iven Lakatani yesterday.

The firearms will be supplied by JD Systems, a licensed supplier of firearms for police. 

Naru wants to see Lae have more police presence on the ground.  

The province is experiencing an unprecedented surge in criminal activities, including the attack on tourists and porters on the Black Cat Track. 

Momase regional commander Nema Mondiai was recently attacked by thugs. 

Naru said his government was serious about addressing law and order issues in the province and would continue to support police. 

“The funds are part of an on-going assistance programme to help police address law and order issues in the province,” Naru said.

“We have already given some vehicles to police and this money is to purchase firearms.”

Naru said police housing, manpower and rural lock ups would be other areas which the provincial government would look into next year.

Mondiai assured Naru that the money would be used for the intended purpose.

“These firearms are not meant to kill people but to assist police protect lives and properties,” he said.

Mondiai said Lae had the highest crime rate in the country which was affecting the people.