Taskforce to target illegal trade

By HELEN TARAWA
THE Government will establish a taskforce to tackle illicit trade and the black economy in Papua New Guinea, Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Davis Steven says.
During the launching of the department’s corporate plan and the Social Law and Order Sector Strategic framework (SLOS) yesterday, Steven said the taskforce which was endorsed by the National Executive Council would be led by the Department.
Without giving details on the task force and how it would operate, Steven said the department was driving legal policy and enforcement.
He said the challenge that the coronavirus posed on Papua New Guinea was as devastating as the advert of illicit trade and drugs and counterfeit products that were enough to kill the country’s economy.
“Illicit trade and drugs and counterfeit products are enough to kill our country’s economy,” Steven said.
“So we need to up our commitment and our appetite to lead the enforcement part of the rule of law becomes necessary.
“I’m happy to say that corporate plan accommodates that intention.”
Steven said the department would take responsibility for enforcing laws.
“We want to take the lead in the enforcement of our laws in ensuring that someone in this jurisdiction has taken responsibility for enforcing laws,” he said.
“Even the National Coordination Mechanism and Police Department now come under us.
“Even the economic sector is now acknowledging that the Department of Justice and Social Law and Order Sector leadership will take that challenge forward.”