West Sepik Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Sailas Kwaino says police in the province have officially launched their Christmas operations, despite a delayed start earlier this month.

Chief Superintendent Kwaino said police operations were scheduled to begin on December 15th, but preparations were temporarily affected by the funeral program of the late Minister for Works and Highways in Telefomin District. But operations were formally launched yesterday Tuesday 23rd December.

He said maintaining law and order remains challenging particularly due to West Sepik’s location along the Papua New Guinea–Indonesia border.

“Like any other province, we face law and order issues. However, our situation is more complex because of transnational border-related activities,” PPC Kwaino said.

He identified the movement of contraband and illegal goods including counterfeit products and firecrackers as a major concern with items smuggled across the border and transported by sea and road to other regions in the country.

PPC Kwaino confirmed that firecrackers are banned from being transported out of Vanimo to other provinces and that offenders are dealt with under customs laws.

“The agency responsible for dealing with the smuggling of firecrackers is Customs, and offenders are charged under the Customs Act,” he said.

He acknowledged that limited manpower and mobility make border policing difficult especially along coastal areas and remote land routes.

“Our mobility at sea is limited and we have a very large area to cover. Some areas have no police presence at all,” he said.

Despite these challenges, PPC Kwaino said the province does not experience tribal fighting, unlike other regions. Common offences include the production of homebrew and illicit drugs.

PPC Kwaino also announced a province-wide liquor ban, which will remain in effect until January 6th, 2026, as part of efforts to maintain peace during the festive season.

He said key challenges for police include limited transport, poor communication networks in remote areas and inadequate resources to respond to crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling and the illegal movement of firearms and ammunition.

Meanwhile, in his Christmas message, PPC Kwaino urged residents to celebrate responsibly.

“I appeal to the people of West Sepik to celebrate Christmas in a peaceful way and not disturb the peace of our communities,” he said.

He also warned against the use of firecrackers, saying police efforts have helped reduce noise pollution and disturbances in Vanimo and other parts of the province during the festive season.