Renovated police cells take in 40

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
THE refurbished Kavieng police station opened on Christmas Day and 40 detainees, including a woman allegedly drunk and disorderly in a public place, were locked up there.
Acting provincial police commander Chief Sgt Gabriel N’Drihin said the 40 detained were found to have in their possession alcohol and homebrew and were drinking in public places across Kavieng town.
“We picked up the men and a lone woman in Rawal, Pawa, Omo, Kulangit, Baga and in the middle of town,” he said.
“We have yet to go up the highway but we are ensuring the town is aware.
“The police station which has been closed since October is now reopened and we are taking in prisoners and we aim to keep them until a court hearing can be heard.”
Police operations in the province started on Dec 21 with checkpoints at Utu and Putput along the Buluminski Highway.
“Vehicles were checked and drivers were reminded to not drink and drive,” Chief Sgt N’Drihin said.
“For the 40 inside the cell, we told them that the drinking fine had gone up to K500, however should the court decide otherwise we shall see what happens.”