Wagambie raises concern over illegal trading of betel nuts

POLICE are concerned about incidents relating to the illegal trading of betel nuts in Port Moresby often leading to confrontations with officers.
Police commander of Central and the National Capital District, acting assistant police commissioner Anthony Wagambie Jr, said the latest incident involved a man shot by police at 9-Mile on Oct 26.
He said the man was sitting in a vehicle which sped away from a police check-point.
Police allegedly fired shots at the vehicle.
Betel nut contractors accused police of abusing their powers and inflicting injuries on citizens.
Wagambie has ordered an investigation into the incident to find out why the man ran away from police, whether he was shot by police and if the situation warranted police to shoot.
Wagambie said robberies and car thefts were rife in the city and motorists must cooperate when approached by police officers.
“The betel nut trade in the city remains prone to violence because it generates fast cash for those who are in it,” he said.
“But our duty as law enforcement officers is to ensure vendors and consumers alike are not threatened, harassed or intimidated in any way.”
He said allegations had been raised previously against police officers transporting or escorting traders.
He said police officers would continue to perform their duties and responsibilities within the confines of the law.
Wagambie also said any complaints against police personnel would be expeditiously investigated.