Police: Bloodshed imminent in 2012

By MAIVO LAFANAMA DWU Journalism Student
A POLICE station commander in Eastern Highlands has warned of  bloodshed election in 2012 if the problem of drug trafficking is not addressed adequately.
He said marijuana for gun exchange was rife and he feared the coming elections in the province, especially in Kainantu, Obura-Wonenara and Unggai-Bena districts, would see fierce fights.
Yonki Police Station commander Sgt Ambrose Mara made this comment last Friday when marijuana worth more than K500,0000, which was confiscated from roadblocks since April, was destroyed by Yonki police.
“If the government is serious about drug problem then it should increase the sentence for offenders to 10 or 15 years and increase police man power in Yonki, so they can guard 24 hours as it is the entrance and exit point to the highlands province,” he said.
EHP police commander Supt Augustine Wampe described it as a serious crime that was hard to fight unless tougher punishments were imposed.
He said he planned to instruct his men to arrest PMV drivers as well because they knew who they were transporting.
It will prompt them to search the passengers before they boarded the bus.
Meanwhile, the Mobile Squad 14 will guard the Yonki Dam and protect PNG power workers over months of tensions rising between landowners and the company.
Wampe said regular patrols would also be done between Yonki and Kainantu this festive season to fight criminal activities.