LEADER URGES FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS, ARMS

KOKOPO MP Sir Rabbie Namaliu says the country should tackle the trafficking
of marijuana and weapons before they threaten national security.

Sir Rabbie said the extent of the drugs and gun problems were highlighted
in a cover story featured in the international magazine "Time" on April 9.

He said even though the article gave the country a favorable international
image, it highlighted the link between the cultivation of marijuana and the
sale of powerful weapons on the black market.

Sir Rabbie said: "It is a problem Papua New Guinea cannot address on its
own, and it needs to strengthen links with authorities in Australia and
other countries engaged in the fight against drugs.''

He said the drug problem was no longer confined to the Highlands region but
was affecting the rest of the country, including his own electorate.

Sir Rabbie said reports were that marijuana was being sold in exchange for
powerful weapons to interests in Australia and other regional countries
were very worrying.

He said crime problems were bad enough without criminal gangs having access
to high-powered weapons in exchange for marijuana.

Sir Rabbie said: "If this problem is not addressed soon then we will have a
potential national security problem during the national elections in 12
months time.''

He said PNG would also have a security problem at the major resource
projects because gangs were armed with powerful weapons which police could
not match.

Sir Rabbie said the priority in drug law enforcement should be the
detection of large-scale drug producers and pushers and those engaged in
the exchange of drugs for guns.

He said there seemed to be too much attention given to minor users and not
enough to the pushers who made a fortune from the drug trade.

Sir Rabbie said if PNG could not monitor its international borders, it
should seek greater assistance from neighboring countries, such as
Australia and Indonesia.

He said there was an urgent need to stop drugs being exported and weapons
being imported.

Sir Rabbie said given the state of the navy vessels, "it is little wonder
that the drugs for guns traffic is growing".