By
Simon
Eroro
A RAID by Taskforce ‘Rausim Alien’ over the weekend has resulted in the apprehension and arrest of 23 illegal foreigners in the Eastern Highlands Province.
The 23 were charged with breaching their visa and work permit conditions. Some were also charged with possession of illegal firearms, live ammunition and being in possession of counterfeit products.
Taskforce coordinator John Bria confirmed the investigations and also revealed to the Post-Courier that some government officials (named) in the province had been aiding and abetting the commission of these crimes.
MR Bria said these government officials will be arrested and charged for their
involvement in these illegal activities.
The operation codenamed ‘High Altitude’ was conducted in the Goroka, Kainantu and also Asaro, Henganofi and Okapa districts.
Mr Bria said it was disturbing that while many law enforcement agencies believe these illegal activities are only occurring in Port Moresby and large centres, there are illegal foreign activities in the districts also.
“And the respective provincial, district and local level governments were allowing or aiding illegal foreigners to operate illegally and evade apprehension
from authorities,” Mr Bria said.
Mr Bria said foreigners are welcome to invest in Papua New Guinea however; our laws must be respected at all times. Foreigners must not exploit our people and resources under the guise of foreign investment.
The Taskforce members operating in the Highlands include members of the
PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services as the lead agency,
PNG Customs and the Department of Labour and Employment.
The police department units involved are the Organised Crime Unit, National Drug and Vice Squad and a section of the police Mobile Squad 14 based in Goroka.
“The taskforce team will bring the 32 foreigners apprehended in the Eastern Highlands to Port Moresby today,” Mr Bria said.
A RAID by Taskforce ‘Rausim Alien’ over the weekend has resulted in the apprehension and arrest of 23 illegal foreigners in the Eastern Highlands Province.
The 23 were charged with breaching their visa and work permit conditions. Some were also charged with possession of illegal firearms, live ammunition and being in possession of counterfeit products.
Taskforce coordinator John Bria confirmed the investigations and also revealed to the Post-Courier that some government officials (named) in the province had been aiding and abetting the commission of these crimes.
MR Bria said these government officials will be arrested and charged for their
involvement in these illegal activities.
The operation codenamed ‘High Altitude’ was conducted in the Goroka, Kainantu and also Asaro, Henganofi and Okapa districts.
Mr Bria said it was disturbing that while many law enforcement agencies believe these illegal activities are only occurring in Port Moresby and large centres, there are illegal foreign activities in the districts also.
“And the respective provincial, district and local level governments were allowing or aiding illegal foreigners to operate illegally and evade apprehension
from authorities,” Mr Bria said.
Mr Bria said foreigners are welcome to invest in Papua New Guinea however; our laws must be respected at all times. Foreigners must not exploit our people and resources under the guise of foreign investment.
The Taskforce members operating in the Highlands include members of the
PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services as the lead agency,
PNG Customs and the Department of Labour and Employment.
The police department units involved are the Organised Crime Unit, National Drug and Vice Squad and a section of the police Mobile Squad 14 based in Goroka.
“The taskforce team will bring the 32 foreigners apprehended in the Eastern Highlands to Port Moresby today,” Mr Bria said.
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