Chinese businessman arrested for alcohol sales in Hela

A Chinese businessman operating several shops in Hela Province has been arrested and released on bail for allegedly selling alcohol in breach of the provincial liquor ban.

Leon Mau, the shop owner, and his storekeeper were each granted bail at K2,000 after the storekeeper was caught with a carton of vodka and beer at Magarima Station.

Mr Mau is currently in Mt. Hagen but continues to operate businesses in Magarima, Tari, and Koroba. Police have yet to provide further comments on the case.

Hela Governor Philip Undialu has condemned the sale of alcohol, saying it directly violates the liquor ban recently enforced across the province.

“Mr. Mau must come to Tari, face the police, and explain himself to the Hela Liquor Licensing Board. If he refuses, I will formally write to the Minister for Immigration to cancel his visa and deport him immediately. We will not tolerate lawbreakers in our province, foreign or local,” Governor Undialu stated.

He further stressed that while the alcohol ban is fully supported by the people of Hela, including local leaders and businessmen, it’s disgraceful that a foreign operator would blatantly defy the law.

“If respected leaders like Tari Urban Lord Mayor Andaija Jali and George Tagobe can follow the law and destroy their own stock, what gives this foreigner the right to ignore the ban? He is a guest in this country and must act like one," he said.

Governor Undialu confirmed that the case has now opened the door to a full investigation into Mr. Mau’s operations, including visa status and immigration history, tax compliance and revenue declarations, business licenses and IPA records and staffing and illegal trading activities.

“We’re not stopping here. I will report this matter to, IPA, IRC, and Police to dig into everything. If this man has been cheating the system, we’ll find it, and we’ll deal with him.”

He also sent a clear warning to other foreign shop owners; “Some of you are still secretly selling alcohol, working with bad cops and youths. Let me be very clear; you will be arrested, prosecuted, and deported. There are no second chances.”

The Governor said Hela welcomes genuine businesspeople who respect the province and its laws, but anyone operating outside those laws will be removed.

"Obey our rules or get out. It’s that simple.”