Police in Manus believe they have caught the leader of a drug ring at the Lorengau main market.
Suspect Boas Thomas Lau, aged 30, from Hahai village, Pak Island, was arrested and charged on Saturday, February 24.
Manus provincial police commander (PPC), David Yapu, said the mobile squad responded to a tip off about a drug syndicate operating between Manus and Madang, apprehending the alleged ring leader at Lorengau main market and confiscating large quantities of drugs from his possession.
The suspect admitted to buying drugs in Madang and transporting them to Manus by boats involved in the buai trade.
PPC Yapu said the drugs have a street value of around K5,000 to K10,000.
The Manus police boss added that drugs transported by boat into Manus are a growing concern and Police will step up drug surveillance at sea for boats travelling in from Wewak, Madang and Kavieng.
Yapu is appealing for collective efforts from the boat operators and the community to help police address this issue.
He is also calling on the government and the courts to impose severe penalties on drug offenders.