Major Popondetta drug ring uncovered

The Drug Squad in Popondetta, Northern Province, uncovered a major drug ring in a planned drug bust yesterday (Feb 8).

Over 200 marijuana plants were seized, including a home-made firearm and six .50 calibre bullets, when OIC Sgt Jimmy Bonanda and his team raided a hideout at Koropata village.

The successful bust in the Higaturu LLG, along the Kokoda Highway, was the result of information received during the weekend after the detention of a teenager.

He was found in possession of an unusually large amount of marijuana. Upon interrogating the young man, Bonanda and his team uncovered a supply network that ran through Girua all the way up the Kokoda highway to the supplier in Koropata.

According to police, the suspects were under the influence of alcohol when apprehended at around 1.30pm yesterday. Two suspects were arrested while the prime suspect, known only as Eddie, got away.

PPC Lincoln Gerari commended his men for a swift and successful operation and added that more arrests were expected to be made in the weeks ahead.  Press release