Sneaking firearms, cocaine on rise in Western

WESTERN is becoming a leading province in the smuggling of firearms, cocaine and fishing along its borders by foreigners, acting police commissioner, border, Chief Supt Samson Kua believes.
He told The National that policing of the border was “very hard” as manpower and resources were inadequate for the large land mass.
Its vastness also made it difficult to track down the movement of foreigners who were communicating with locals.
Kua said illegal activities along international borders like Vanimo, Tabubil and Torres Strait were becoming a concern as more and more people were getting involved.
“Network is also a problem,” he said.
“The Digicel network did not cover parts of the area, especially Daru, which made it difficult for police during operations.”
Kua said four suspects were recently arrested in Daru over possession of firearms.
“I am warning the people of Tabubil, Daru, Torres Strait, Vanimo and Gulf who continue to hide and practise such activities,” he said.
“When the law catches them, it will deal with them.”
Kua wants locals to assist police with information.