5 ARRESTED IN DRUG BUST

By Martha LOUIS, Madang Province

A major drug bust in Saidor Station, Raikos District, has resulted in the arrest of five men and the seizure of 14 kilograms of marijuana with an estimated street value of K200,000, according to Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim.

The bust, which unfolded over two days beginning April 27, followed a police tip-off about an illegal drug trafficking route from Malalamai village to Saidor. Two men — Alex Yango, 27, of Wab village, and Kenny Ismael of Gaptamon village — were apprehended at Lagap Beach while allegedly attempting to traffic the compressed marijuana to Kimbe, West New Britain.

“The successful operation was a result of community intelligence and proactive policing by our officers in Saidor,” said Acting Superintendent Baim. “We are sending a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in this province.”

In a separate incident the following day, police caught two more men — Lai Cherubim, 26, of Mapange, and Prope Mumukau, 31, of Yawango — red-handed while allegedly selling two grams of marijuana for K50 to a buyer identified as Toros Joel of Long Island.

All five suspects were detained at Saidor before being transferred to Madang by a police detachment from the Provincial Headquarters. They have been formally charged under the Controlled Substances Act 2021 and are expected to appear before the Madang District Court in the coming days.

Police say the highland areas of Nayudo LLG in Raikos have become a hotbed for marijuana cultivation due to the region’s cool climate and fertile soil. Authorities are concerned about the increasing involvement of youth in drug-related activities.

“We’re appealing to community leaders, parents, and churches to take an active role in discouraging young people from entering the drug trade,” Baim urged.

The seized marijuana and other related exhibits are now in police custody as investigations continue.