PNG Police Arrest Journalist Over Roadside Drinking in Port Moresby

 PNG police have arrested a journalist employed by a weekly newspaper after he was found drinking alcohol in a public place at Five Mile in Port Moresby on Sunday afternoon.

National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab said the man was with a friend along Kanage Street at about 2.30pm when police on mobile patrol noticed them consuming liquor on the roadside.

PNG Police Arrest Journalist Over Roadside Drinking in Port Moresby

Police approached the pair, carried out a stop-and-search, and confirmed they were in possession of alcohol, which led to their arrest and removal from the area.

Superintendent Simatab said the two were taken to the police station for processing, where they were held until the journalist had sobered up.

He explained that during the arrest, the journalist resisted police instructions, prompting officers to use reasonable force to place him in the police vehicle before transporting him to the station.

After sobering up, the journalist was formally charged and later transferred to Boroko Police Station, where he was allowed to post bail.

Superintendent Simatab said police would continue enforcing laws against public drinking, noting that alcohol remains a major factor behind disorder in the city.

He also raised concern over recent incidents during the Christmas period, including two murder cases and several accidents that were linked to alcohol consumption.

“My appeal now to all city residents is to respect each other and celebrate the new year peacefully. Celebrate responsibly and respect police officers if they approach you to tell you that they have received reports that you are not respecting others,” he said.