Ten suspects have been arrested by police in Kiunga, North Fly District, for smuggling drugs into the district last month.

The suspects were found guilty of trafficking cannabis (marijuana) and have been sentenced to a combined total of 86 years in prison for possession and transportation of the drugs.

Police in North Fly confirmed that the group smuggled the drugs into the district via flights from Tari and Western Highlands, as well as through remote bush tracks.

The convicted individuals are:

· Jackson Sandy, 42, from Hagen Central, sentenced to 20 years

· Peter Taá, 39, from Wapia village, Hela Province, sentenced to 5 years

· Brian Albert, 30, from Mamales village, Enga Province, sentenced to 5 years

· Ben Danis, from Erecta, North Fly, sentenced to 5 years

· Wilson Joe, 31, from Anglim village, Jiwaka Province, sentenced to 5 years

· Channel Kini, 27, from Olsobip LLG, North Fly, sentenced to 5 years

· Ako Immabalu, 24, from Yakulda village, Tari, Hela Province, sentenced to 5 years

· Alex David, 35, from Handa village, Kagua Erave, Southern Highlands, sentenced to 10 years

· Angupe Mepin, 26, from Wapia village, Hela Province, sentenced to 16 years

· Matthew Kumbiako, 34, from Yakalda village, Hela Province, sentenced to 16 years

All ten convicts will serve their prison terms at Ningerum Correctional Service in North Fly District. 

Acting Provincial Police Commander for North Fly Command, Inspector Anjap Minata, said the suspects were caught with the intention to sell the drugs during the Independence celebrations, but quick action by police led to their arrest in Kiunga.

“They are locked up for transporting the drugs. They were all arrested and charged under Section 3 (1) (d) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA). The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which drug-related offences are treated in North Fly Command,” Inspector Minata said. 

He added that the actions of the individuals have tarnished the name of North Fly and caused fear in the community. 

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of their crimes and serves as a warning to others not to get involved in illegal activities. We ask the public to help us maintain law and order in the district. Policing is everyone’s business for a safer community,” he said.

Meanwhile, police in Kiunga said court proceedings have been affected due to the absence of a District Court Magistrate since last month.

They are now calling on relevant authorities in Western Province to urgently reinstate a permanent magistrate to handle ongoing and future cases.