Official explains bureau’s limits

The National National
Nichodemus Mosoro

By HELEN TARAWA
THERE are allegations of drugs being processed and trafficked in the country but without the legislative amendments to the current drug and alcohol laws, the National Narcotics Bureau is limited, an official says.
National Narcotics Bureau acting director general Nichodemus Mosoro told The National that the Substance Control Bill currently being developed would enable the bureau to regulate such activities.
“We have heard stories; we have intelligence but we don’t have the powers,” he said.
“When we have that, we will be able to support police, customs and other law enforcement agencies.
“There must be a connection, which is missing right now.”
Mosoro said the bureau was working on the legislation to cover trafficking in narcotics drugs and precursor chemicals.
He said precursor chemicals were substances that could be perfectly lawful and be used in the production and manufacturing of medicine.
“We don’t’ have the legal framework to address that so we are working on the control substances legislation,” he said.
“Substances are perfectly okay but there is also a risk for them to be abused.
“It’s a high risk for the country because we don’t have the legal framework.”
Mosoro said the legislation would also cover cultivation of plants and there were specific offences for that.
“This legislation provides more power to the (bureau) to conduct inspections and investigations,” he said.
“Currently, the bureau is working on a structure to cater for all the different fields and specialities.
“It might be an organisation that later on can provide employment opportunities for police and defence officers.
“It’s going to be everything; regulators, inspectors and scientists.
“We will be working with other stakeholders as well.
“We need to establish a data base to record what’s happening around the country, including the recent alleged drug bust outside Port Moresby.
“We will be working in partnership with institutions such as the Papua New Guinea University of Technology to use their facilities.”