Violence induced by alcohol posing greater threat to Port Moresby, says Wagambie
VIOLENCE induced by alcohol especially between different ethnic factions dwelling in Papua New Guinea's capital Port Moresby are on the increase and posing greater challenges for the city police says NCD Central Commander Acting Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Jr.
The Commander said some parts of the city have recently experienced on-going fighting and drunken brawls and police had to be called in to quell the violence from time to time.
While appealing to city residents to drink and behave responsibly, the Commander said over the past three weeks, a number of fights were reported in the ATS settlement, Two Mile Hill, June Valley and 9 Mile, but quick police action prevented these fights from escalating.
Mr Wagambie said because of this the NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Chief Superintendent Perou N'Dranou initiated a special operation targeting drunk and disorderly behaviour in the city. The strategy code named "Drunk Patrol" is aimed at arresting and locking up drunk people who are causing problems in public places within the city.
Each Friday night NCD police have and will continue to patrol the streets of Port Moresby in efforts to contain drunk and disorderly behaviour, Mr Wagambie said. He said some offenders are locked up for their own safety and for the safety of others as well. In some cases, due to the huge number of arrests, drunks are subdued, cautioned and later released when they have sobered up.
“People who are overly intoxicated and clumsy to a point where their own safety is at risk in a public place, we detain them for a short period and release them once they sober up.
"We understand their rights, but we have a duty to protect lives and properties too and that's exactly what we are doing. The Metsup will meet with National Capital District Commission officials soon to discuss issues concerning liquor licensing in the city. We have to control the sale of liquor, in our effort to reduce alcohol induced violence," Mr Wagambie said.
Next: Air Niugini steps in where Cathy Pacific left off
The Commander said some parts of the city have recently experienced on-going fighting and drunken brawls and police had to be called in to quell the violence from time to time.
While appealing to city residents to drink and behave responsibly, the Commander said over the past three weeks, a number of fights were reported in the ATS settlement, Two Mile Hill, June Valley and 9 Mile, but quick police action prevented these fights from escalating.
Mr Wagambie said because of this the NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Chief Superintendent Perou N'Dranou initiated a special operation targeting drunk and disorderly behaviour in the city. The strategy code named "Drunk Patrol" is aimed at arresting and locking up drunk people who are causing problems in public places within the city.
Each Friday night NCD police have and will continue to patrol the streets of Port Moresby in efforts to contain drunk and disorderly behaviour, Mr Wagambie said. He said some offenders are locked up for their own safety and for the safety of others as well. In some cases, due to the huge number of arrests, drunks are subdued, cautioned and later released when they have sobered up.
“People who are overly intoxicated and clumsy to a point where their own safety is at risk in a public place, we detain them for a short period and release them once they sober up.
"We understand their rights, but we have a duty to protect lives and properties too and that's exactly what we are doing. The Metsup will meet with National Capital District Commission officials soon to discuss issues concerning liquor licensing in the city. We have to control the sale of liquor, in our effort to reduce alcohol induced violence," Mr Wagambie said.
Next: Air Niugini steps in where Cathy Pacific left off
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