Two newly-elected Ward Council Members of Madang Urban are among the eight men detained by Lae police for allegedly conveying marijuana.
The suspects, who are Madang-based, were driving into Lae when they were stopped at Eriku near LFA and searched by Special Response Unit 102.
They allegedly found quantities of drugs under the front passenger seat.
“The driver of the vehicle was also found to be carrying a loaded factory made pistol with live ammunition. The pistol has been confiscated with the person in possession of it, a newly elected Council Ward Member, arrested and charged for being unlicensed,” reported Lae police.
“All eight occupants of the vehicle, after being charged, are now detained at the Lae Central Police Station lock up.
“They were to have appeared at the Lae District Court last Friday but did not due to some issues beyond our control.
“They have been held in Police Custody over the weekend and will appear for their first mention on Monday 12/08/19.”
The Lae metropolitan superintendent, Anthony Wagambie Jnr, has issued a warning to those who come to Lae to be careful in what they do and avoid breaking the law.
“Every citizen has been empowered to take ownership of law and order issues by calling the Police Emergency Toll Free number when they see or hear of something happening, or about to happen.
“We are proactive in our policing by involving our community.
“I once again call on the public to continue assisting Police by calling the emergency number provided by Digicel, 70903300, which is free of charge.”