Yama queries raid on property

MADANG businessman Peter Yama has taken out a court order preventing police from searching his residence, businesses and properties he owns in Madang.Madang police have confirmed a raid on Yama’s Madang property by a mobile unit from Lae last Wednesday. They also said there was now an order in place preventing further raids.
Provincial police commander Anthony Wagambie Jr said the raid was conducted through a search warrant issued by Madang District Court.Yama was in Port Moresby at the time of the incident.
“Five unmarked vehicles were used by these policemen from Lae where they entered my premises and searched the area.”During the search, Yama claimed police had told his family and staff that there was going to be a haus krai.“I am a well-respected businessman in Madang.“If there was any complaint against me or any members of my family, the PPC and his station commander should call me and we would have turned up at the station. Neither my son nor my wife and I were summoned by police.“To raid my property had made me look like a common criminal, which I am not,” Yama said.“My wife and children have been traumatised by the whole incident.
“This is abnormal and unethical.”Yama claimed the police raiding party were personnel brought in from Lae, Mt Hagen and McGregor in Port Moresby.“When I called a senior member of the police force, he was not aware of the operation.”Wagambie Jr, when contacted, confirmed acquiring a court order to search Yama’s property.
However, he said the search was based on a complaint against one of Yama’s sons.
The suspect was alleged to have fired shots at various locations around Madang town.
“Yama has the right to pursue the matter through the normal police and justice process if he feels police had not done its job professionally.
“We now also have a court order preventing us from conducting any more raids on Yama’s properties,” Wagambie Jr said.