RSIPF arrests PNG citizen on allegation of illegal entry into SI territory

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) at the Taro Police Station together with an officer of the Immigration Department have arrested a male person from Papua New Guinea on allegation of entering Solomon Islands illegally on 13 March 2020.

The male person was arrested at Taro and placed in custody after being charged with three counts under the Immigration Act.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Choiseul Province, Chief Superintendent Vincent Eria says, “Police at Taro received a report from Papua New Guinea Customs Service on 11 March 2020 that the male person left Arawa on Bougainville on 10 March with an alleged 10 kilograms of marijuana. It is alleged that he accompanied fish market sellers from Kariki in the Short land Islands who were returning from Bouganville.

“It is further alleged that the male person got cleared at the Customs office in Arawa under false pretense and under the cover of selling oranges and peanuts. It is alleged that the male person had an intention to sell the marijuana at Kariki or Taro.”

PPC Eria explains: “Police searched the belongings of the male person on arrival at Taro but found no drugs but investigations into the alleged drug offence will still be carried out.”