Ray Paul

Paul reappointed to top Customs post

He was one of the senior public servants whose appointments were recently gazetted, and they signed their contract of employment at Government House before Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae.

National Gaming and Control Board Chief Executive Officer Imelda Agon also signed her contract for a five-year team.

The signing, on April 2nd, was witnessed by Secretary for Department of Personnel Management, Taies Sansan.

Third party involved in Kennedy Estate raid: Customs

A warehouse believed to be accommodating an illegal cigarette operation was raided by the National Drug and Vice Squad last week.

However, Customs Chief Commissioner, Ray Paul, defended the Asian-owned operation, saying it was issued a licence to operate.

“They’ve been importing and only this year, they intend to go into manufacturing,” Paul said of Golden Borough Ltd.

Alleged illegal operation was legal: Customs

A warehouse at the Kennedy Estate at Eight-Mile, outside Port Moresby, was under a month-long surveillance by the National Drug and Vice Squad until the bust last week.

A large, white warehouse containing cigarettes of unknown origin, including manufacturing equipment, were uncovered at the Kennedy Estate.

Customs warns importers

Customs Chief Commissioner, Ray Paul, says: “You may be running away from Customs now but we will catch up with you.”

The Customs ASYCUDA System plays a big role in electronic reporting and processing system for all import, export and excise entries lodged with Customs for declaration.

“The system is very important and it’s from that system that Customs is able to pick up, profile and target all those that are not declared.”

New Customs PNG facility launched at Motukea

Present to officiate the launch was Treasury Minister Patrick Pruaitch and Finance Minister James Marape.

Chief Commissioner for Customs PNG, Ray Paul says the total cost of the examination facility according to the contract cost Customs PNG about K30 million.

Customs PNG has gone into an arrangement with a company where Customs will be leasing the facility on an annual basis to them for the next 10 to 15 years.

“Customs PNG intends to own this after some 10 to 20 years down the line through another understanding with them,” Paul said.

PNG Customs dressed up for finals

The team made up of female employees, spouses and dependants got a timely moral boost from PNG Customs commissioner Ray Paul yesterday.       

PNG Customs 1 plays NICTA and PNG Customs 2 to challenge NCDC 2 in the preliminary finals of the National Capital District Public Servants Netball competition tomorrow (Saturday).

Senior player Tomon Peter said, the netball competition helps them to socialize and stay fit.

She said as underdogs they surprised their opponents with their final placing in the back end of the season.

IOM believes PNG bust linked to trafficking ring

The Thai-owned refrigerator ship Blissful Reefer has been impounded by PNG authorities in Daru -- eight fishermen have so far been rescued, with 19 other crew members still to be questioned.

The chief of mission for the IOM in PNG, George Gigauri, says the rescued men were part of a larger group of forced labourers to be distributed to various fishing boats.

He says PNG authorities are searching for other similar vessels believed to be in its waters.

Mr Gigauri says the Blissful Reefer appears to be part of a wider trafficking ring.