Sea piracy on the increase

 Sea piracy is on the rise along the border of Morobe and Northern, Northern provincial police commander Chief Insp Lincoln Gerari says.

Gerari expressed concern that despite the urgency of the situation on the border, no attention has been given by his counterparts from Morobe.

He said the problem was involving people from the two provinces commuting between Lae and Popondetta trading betel nuts.

Gerari said people from Northern taking betel nuts to Lae were often falling victim to piracy and there were reports of dinghies being stolen.

He said the Popondetta police had a sea patrol unit in the province which was carrying out its work along the coast from the borders of Morobe, Northern and Milne Bay.

“I have sent my team to Lae and they are following up on the situation because the problem has escalated and our people have fallen victim,” he said.

“I am quite disappointed that our counterparts in Morobe have not done enough to address the issue.

“The problem is mainly caused by criminals in Lae who travel to Northern because of the betel nut trade that is booming in the province.

“Our people are suffering at the hands of Lae criminals and if Morobe police step up to support us then we can address these issues together.” 

Meanwhile, the three suspects in the University of Natural Research and Environment break and enter and robbery have all been arrested and the stolen equipment fully recovered.

The seven men held up the acting director Cletus Tepaiyan at his residence in Popondetta early this month and made off with the equipment. The three will appear in court next week.