Soldiers caught smuggling buai

 By SHEILA MALKEN

THREE military police officers stationed at Murray Barracks will face disciplinary action for allegedly smuggling betel nuts through a checkpoint last Saturday.

National Capital District Commission (NCDC) enforcement coordinator and reserve police officer Paul Komboi said the three officers smuggled 10 bags of betel nuts through the checkpoint at Laloki Bridge.

“All the other vehicles and PMVs were lining up in the queue through the check-point but a military vehicle drove past and through into the city without being checked,” Komboi said.

“My officers were then informed to follow the vehicle after we became suspicious of their behaviour,” 

Komboi said police followed the military vehicle to 8-Mile where they were caught but because of their actions, which were embarrassing, they were taken to ATS for vehicle check.

“Ten stock-feed bags of betel nuts were found in their vehicle but no charges or arrest had been made,” Komboi said.

He said military police commander Price Rumints and his other troops were doing their patrol and arrived at the scene.

“The commander noticed one of his vehicles checked by police and stepped in to find out.

“We handed over the three officers to their commander and explained the situation,” Komboi said.

Charges will soon be laid against each of them after police delivered their statements.

Komboi said the police statements were ready and would be taken to the military disciplinary committee.