Warning over fake merchandise

 EAST New Britain police commander Supt Anthony Wagambie has warned people who are selling and distributing fake SP Hunters merchandise to stop.

Wagambie said it was discovered last Friday in Kokopo that a certain Asian-owned shop was selling counterfeit PNG Hunters rugby league supporter shirts and merchandise.

He said police assisted the team management to go to the shop and direct the items to be removed. 

Wagambie said he has alerted the Hunters coach Michael Marum to engage lawyers to give advice to police and to lay a formal complaint so that police can effect arrests.

“We cannot tolerate such behaviour by foreigners coming into this country and carrying out illegal activities.

“The Hunters cost a lot of money to run and through merchandising; they will be able to at least sustain themselves a little bit,” he said.

Wagambie said it was crucial for the government to look closely at foreigners coming into the country, especially those who cannot or do not want to abide by the laws. 

“These type of people must be deported out of the country when found guilty by a competent court of breach of PNG Laws. 

Other countries have laws that are very strict on foreigners operating or selling illegal items. A Papua New Guinean cannot go to China and make imitations of Chinese trademark items and sell them, that particular person will be immediately imprisoned or deported.,” he said.

He added there were Agmark Gurias merchandise being counterfeited and sold in Lae.

“I discourage every Papua New Guinean from purchasing these counterfeit products from Asian shops,” he said.

It is understood that PNG Hunters merchandise is only sold in SVS shops and Agmark while Agmark Gurias are sold at Agmark shops. 

“Both Rugby League teams are home grown; therefore we must ensure that their merchandise must not be counterfeited by Asian syndicates out to make fast cash at the expense of others,” Wagambie said.