Drug traffickers appear in court

Two Portuguese women apprehended recently for allegedly Trafficking cocaine early this month have made their first appearance this morning at the Waigani district court.

The two were charged for Trafficking controlled substance under section 68 subsection 1b of the controlled substance act of 2021.

Suspects Critalia Varonila Fonsela Inasio and Raquel Camilla Peira Pires Teixeira were heavily escorted by immigration and police officers whilst leaving the court premises this morning.

Both Portuguese woman in their early 20s have been charged on one count each for Trafficking controlled substance.

Magistrate Cathlyn Sopa read out their charges and informed them of their rights under PNGs constitution.

According to police reports presented to the magistrate this morning, both suspects were apprehended on the evening of 7th December 2024 by Customs at the Jacksons international airport.

Both suspects were in possession 15.kg of cocaine.

According to the customs and immigrations, the cocaine was bound for Australia with a street value of over K12.3 million or 5.2 million Australian Dollars.

Both suspects were returned to Immigration custody at the Bomana detention center to await their reappearance at the district court on 13th February 2025.

Magistrate Sopa told them that they could seek legal assistance through Immigration for bail purposes.

She says they remain innocent until proven guilty by the courts