Seven men caught entering PNG illegally from Indonesia

The National National
North Fly police officers Inspector Anjap Minata (left), North Fly police commander Senior Insp Silva Sika (right) and Senior Insp Anthony Toroipo with the seven Indonesian men who were apprehended for illegally entering the country. – Picture courtesy of North Fly Police

DESPITE the border-crossing warnings by National Pandemic Controller David Manning, seven men from Indonesia have been caught in PNG after crossing the border into Ningerum local level government (LLG) area in North Fly, Western.
North Fly police commander Chief Insp Silva Sika told The National that the seven men were staying with the acting Ningerum LLG manager.
Chief Insp Sika said the men were in the country to carry out alluvial mining activities near the Ok Tedi River.
He said the men were picked up by police after Kiunga police headquarters was alerted of their presence.
Chief Insp Sika said the men crossed into Ningerum carrying alluvial mining equipment.
“Their stay was allegedly facilitated by the acting LLG manager and two other ward members in the area,” he said.
Chief Insp Sika said the presence of the border crossers was reported to police and officers were sent to the area to check the Indonesians’ travel papers.
“They did not have any proper documents in line with our immigration laws,” he said.
“They had arrived with only machines to do alluvial mining with the locals.”
The seven men were then arrested and taken to Kiunga.
Chief Supt Sika added that a unit had also been sent to Ningerum to bring in the three men who facilitated the arrival and work of the Indonesians.
He said the seven men would be charged for illegally crossing the border under PNG immigration laws.