Police find gun, Aussie arrested

 By DOROTHY MARK 

POLICE in Madang have arrested an Australian for allegedly possessing an unlicenced firearm and ammunition.

They believe that he illegally entered the country last year.

Madang Police Station cCommander Sylvester Kalaut said police and Customs officers had searched his boat at the Madang club waterfront and found a rifle and live ammunition.

Kalaut claimed the man from North Queensland brought the rifle from Thursday Island last November. He visited Port Moresby and Milne Bay before sailing to Madang.

“His next destination is Samoa but because of engine problem, he continues to stay here,” Kalaut said.

He said Customs officers discovered that his passport did not show that he had been cleared to enter the country.

Kalaut said the man was released on K2000 bail. He is expected to appear in court today.

Police were forced to search his boat when investigating a complaint that he had assaulted a club manageress.

Meanwhile, police confiscated a pistol from a man from Gumine, Simbu, travelling on a PMV bus from Madang.

He said the pistol belonged to police officers in Madang.

Kalaut said police confiscated a pistol from a Kubalia man from Yangoru in , East Sepik.

Police arrested the man while he was trying to sell the pistol for K2500 in town.