No formal reports of Manus Asylum Seekers's illegal acts : Police

PNG Police yet to receive complaints on refugees engaged in illegal acts. 

There has not been formal police complaints laid to investigate refugees getting involved in illegal activities according to Manus Provincial Police commander Alex N”Drasal.

He said the police know that refugees who were given refugee status in PNG are involved in consuming homebrew and marijuana but the public is not brave enough to report this to the police formally so that investigations can begin.

“We only have hearsay evidence, when there is a formal report than police can conduct investigations”

He said the refugees are not immune to PNG Laws because they live in the country so they are subjected to laws of the land. They can be prosecuted if they breach these laws. Couple of them were prosecuted for summary offences within the detention center in 2013 and served 6 months sentence on good behaviour bond at the center.

He also called on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to reduce the time which allow the refugees to roam freely in town because they often misuse this privilege and stay out late into the night and get involved with locals in illegal practises.

The twelve hours given to them to roam freely in town should be reduced. He added that there are also reports of the refugees having sexual relationship with young women in Lorengau Town.

He further stated that as a result last year a refugee was assaulted out of frustration allegedly by two PNG Immigration officers at a hotel for staying till 9.30pm and getting intoxicated.

Both officers were arrested and charged.