The government must make changes to the laws on transnational crime

THOSE who want to be involved in transnational crimes and are caught could face life in prison as the government focuses on changing criminal laws to tackle the rise in transnational crimes.

Transnational crimes include money laundering, drug trafficking, arms and ammunition trafficking, human trafficking, human smuggling, cybercrime, organized crime and gangs, corruption and other crimes currently infiltrating PNG’s borders.

Prime Minister James Marape said: “We will increase police efforts in tackling drug-related cases and expand our prison capacity to accommodate drug prisoners.”

“We are also working to ensure that serious drug offences, including those involving cross-border crime and foreign nationals, can carry life imprisonment as the maximum penalty. Our laws will be strengthened to combat these violations.”

The most common cross-border crimes in PNG are drug and firearms trafficking, and organized crime and gangs are also part of the crimes.

In PNG, the movement of drugs across borders into Australia has increased significantly, with methamphetamine and cocaine the drugs of choice to be delivered and then transported across the border.

Because the outer islands are not controlled and the borders remain open, especially at sea, the transport of drugs can take place quickly and efficiently.

Black flights are no longer an option, now that shipping medications is the informed choice to move.

Firearms legislation in PNG has been changed, with those arrested and charged in the country sentenced to a maximum life sentence.

The drug laws have been amended, with the laws charged under the Controlled Substance Bill 2021, aimed at controlling the use of illicit drugs or controlled substances and the misuse of illicit drugs and precursors, carrying a penalty of life imprisonment or could be fined up to K2 million.

While welcoming foreigners coming to invest, live, work or study in PNG, the Prime Minister stated that those caught committing cross-border crimes within PNG’s borders would face full legal consequences, including possible prison sentences.

“I would like to commend the Police Commissioner for the excellent job he is doing and managing the force well despite the many challenges. Our police, with limited capacity, continue to act,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“As we approach the celebration of our country’s 50th anniversary in 2025, we are committed to having a police force that reflects our country’s future.”

Prime Minister Marape also addressed growing concerns about drug-related crimes in Papua New Guinea and called for stricter laws and harsher punishments.

“Drug traffickers will now be dealt with more seriously, and the government is considering life sentences for those convicted of serious drug-related crimes.” He added: “We will increase police efforts in tackling drug-related cases and expand our prison capacity to accommodate drug prisoners.”