Vietnamese Captain fined K25,000 and deported for illegal entry into PNG

The Vietnamese Fishing vessel that docked illegally into Wewak East Sepik last month is still in Wewak but the captain of the vessel has be fined K25,000 and the remainder crew members deported.

According to the Provincial Police Commander Peter Philip, Immigration Officers arrested the captain and his crew and brought them to Port Moresby where they were further interviewed and the Captain was found guilty of illegal entry into our waters and illegal fishing of sea cucumbers.

He further stated that last week some Indonesian who illegally came into Wewak and fishing were caught and locked up at Boram Prison.

PPC Philip said the Wewak District Court heard their case last week and found them guilty and have fined then K90,000 which the men could not pay the fine hence, they will now be transported to Vanimo prison where they will be kept behind bars until they can sort out the fine.

In the meantime, East Sepik Province has been fairly quiet over the weekend without any reports of major crimes or law and order issues.
Provincial Police Commander Peter Philip said that the police Christmas operation was very effective as they conducted roadblocks on the highways and confiscated large amounts of alcohol and illegal fire crackers.