19 Years Behind Bars: Italian Drug Kingpin and Locals Caught in PNG's Biggest Cocaine Bust

 Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner David Manning has welcomed the sentences handed down to a group of drug smugglers, including a foreign national sentenced to 19 years in a PNG prison. Manning stated that the penalties demonstrate a clear message that drug smugglers attempting to use PNG as a transit point will face severe consequences.

The recent ruling by the National Court saw an Italian national sentenced to 19 years in prison, alongside three local citizens who received 18-year sentences each. Manning expressed his satisfaction with the sentences, emphasizing that the era of foreign criminals receiving lenient punishments or walking free in PNG is over. "Gone are the days where foreign criminals can trash our sovereignty and think they can just walk free. Today they will be caught and learn what hard time is all about," he said.

 Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner David Manning

Manning also highlighted the increasing success of PNG’s law enforcement efforts, which have been bolstered by stronger cooperation with international partners, including Australia and other nations. He noted that drug smuggling is a cross-border crime, requiring collaboration between countries to tackle the issue effectively. "Our arrangements, exchange of technical expertise, and joint operation arrangements are going from strength to strength," the Commissioner added.

The Commissioner made it clear that anyone attempting to smuggle drugs through PNG should expect to face the full force of the country’s legal and correctional systems. He emphasized that foreign criminals will quickly realize that PNG’s jails are far from luxurious. "Foreigners jailed in PNG find out very quickly that our jails are not like the luxury facilities that can be found elsewhere," he said.

Manning reiterated that drug smuggling poses a serious threat not only to Papua New Guinea but also to neighboring countries like Australia. He vowed to continue working with international partners to combat the flow of dangerous drugs. "Drugs kill our kids, destroy families, and ruin communities, so we are all working together to back up the fight against those who smuggle and sell drugs," Manning stated.

The Commissioner concluded by issuing a warning to those involved in drug trafficking: “To anyone planning to deal in drugs, I can say that you will find our country a much smaller place than it once was. For those who seek to exploit our communities, you are warned—our investigators and systems are well up to the task of delivering real justice.”

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19 Years Behind Bars: Italian Drug Kingpin and Locals Caught in PNG's Biggest Cocaine Bust