DRUG STING IN GULF DISTRICTS

A POLICE sting operation to stop drug trafficking in the Gulf
Province is in progress.

Southern region police commander Jim Andrew said Gulf police had
uncovered marijuana trade between the Eastern Highlands, Western and
Gulf provinces.

He said the marijuana trade was well organised and contact points
were well established in Western and Gulf provinces.

Mr Andrew said an operation involving members of the Southern region
task force and the national drug squad was under way.

He said the operation was mounted after police arrested and charged
eight people for having in their possession 500 rounds of .22
ammunition.

He claimed marijuana was being flown from the Highlands provinces to
established main points in the Western and the Gulf provinces in bags
of vegetables.

He said the operation would target drop off points.

"I do not know if the pilots were aware of what they were carrying,"
Mr Andrew said.

He said people also walked from the Highlands provinces to the Purari
River and then trekked down to the drop off points.

Mr Andrew claimed marijuana was transported out of the country by
light aircraft.

He said there were rumors that a submarine was being used to pick up the drugs.

He said a joint border operation between PNG and Australia police
which checked villages along coast happened twice-a-year.

He said this was not enough and PNG police needed to conduct regular checks.

Mr Andrew said police work was hampered due to lack of transport.

He said police were working closely with villagers along the coast.