Six convicted in Madang over major drug bust

One of the convicts recently held by police in Madang for being in possession of marijuana *(Image: Supplied)*

The Madang District Court has convicted and sentenced six men to prison following a major drug bust involving over eight kilograms of marijuana with an estimated street value exceeding K100,000.

Senior Provincial Magistrate Fridolin Kambibel sentenced five of the offenders to five years in prison, with the option of a K5,000 court fine. The sixth offender, 35-year-old Frank Tualai from Sibte village in the Aitape-Lumi District, received a 20-year prison sentence after being found guilty of transporting the bulk of the illegal drugs.

The convictions follow a police operation on June 8, when officers received a tip-off regarding drug movements on public transport. Police intercepted a Route 17A Public Motor Vehicle [PMV] bus around midday at the Puma Service Station in Modilon.

A subsequent search revealed a rainbow-coloured bag containing more than eight kilograms of marijuana packed inside rice bags and smaller bundles.

Madang Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Robert Baim, commended the arresting officers and Prosecutor Senior Constable Eugene Wanai for securing the convictions.

"I commend the arresting officer and my OIC Prosecution Section, Senior Constable Eugene Wanai, for the successful prosecution of this drug case," Chief Supt Baim said. "People know the consequences, yet they keep on committing the offence."

Baim said the court's decision serves as a stern message to those involved in the illicit drug trade. He said police will continue targeting the production, transportation, and sale of illegal drugs across Madang province.

He also urged members of the public to assist law enforcement by reporting drug-related activities within their communities.