Police plead not guilty smuggling claim

By JAMES APA GUMUNO
FOUR Mendi-based policemen pleaded not guilty to charges of escorting a truck allegedly smuggling alcohol into Southern Highlands.
Const Nicholas Kala of Central along with three other probationary constables, Samson Kumo (Chimbu) and Rex Solomon and Sam Kenda of Southern Highlands, pleaded not guilty at the Mt Hagen District Court on Tuesday.
They appeared before the district court together with two civilians, Peter Aka and Bela Vilis, the driver and crew of the big truck loaded with more than 200 cartons of Export Lager and dark OP rum.
All were arrested by Mt Hagen police last Thursday and locked up in the Mt Hagen police cells.
Aka and Vilis pleaded guilty and the district magistrate reserved his decision until today.  The four policemen pleaded not guilty and their case was adjourned for two weeks.
They were arrested at Parabuk Bible College last Thursday in the Nebilyer district after the big truck went into the college.