MADANG POLICE TARGETS PIRACY AND DRUG SMUGGLING

By Martha LOUIS

POLICE in Madang are intensifying efforts to combat sea piracy and drug trafficking following the arrest of two suspects connected to a recent fatal maritime incident.

Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed the arrests but said the victim’s body had yet to be recovered.

“We have two suspects currently in custody,” he said. “We expect to apprehend additional individuals involved in the piracy case soon.”

While acknowledging the challenges posed by limited marine enforcement capabilities, Baim expressed gratitude for the provincial government’s provision of eight patrol dinghies. He has requested four high-powered 120-horsepower engines to strengthen surveillance capacity.

“With the right equipment, we can properly monitor sea routes,” he said, outlining plans to increase patrols between Madang and both Sido and Kakayu.

Baim also highlighted rising narcotics trafficking between Madang and neighbouring provinces like Kimbe and Isipik. He pointed to a recent court decision sentencing four drug smugglers to 25 years in prison as a strong deterrent.

“Drug offenders should take note,” Baim said. “The maximum sentence now is life, and we will be patrolling these routes more frequently.”