Pubdate: Thu, 19 Apr 2001 Source: Post-Courier (New Guinea) Copyright: 2001, Post-Courier Contact: http://www.postcourier.com.pg Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/978 LEADER URGES FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS, ARMS KOKOPO MP Sir Rabbie Namaliu says the country should tackle the trafficking of marijuana and weapons before they threaten national security. Sir Rabbie said the extent of the drugs and gun problems were highlighted in a cover story featured in the international magazine "Time" on April 9. He said even though the article gave the country a favorable international image, it highlighted the link between the cultivation of marijuana and the sale of powerful weapons on the black market. Sir Rabbie said: "It is a problem Papua New Guinea cannot address on its own, and it needs to strengthen links with authorities in Australia and other countries engaged in the fight against drugs.'' He said the drug problem was no longer confined to the Highlands region but was affecting the rest of the country, including his own electorate. Sir Rabbie said reports were that marijuana was being sold in exchange for powerful weapons to interests in Australia and other regional countries were very worrying. He said crime problems were bad enough without criminal gangs having access to high-powered weapons in exchange for marijuana. Sir Rabbie said: "If this problem is not addressed soon then we will have a potential national security problem during the national elections in 12 months time.'' He said PNG would also have a security problem at the major resource projects because gangs were armed with powerful weapons which police could not match. Sir Rabbie said the priority in drug law enforcement should be the detection of large-scale drug producers and pushers and those engaged in the exchange of drugs for guns. He said there seemed to be too much attention given to minor users and not enough to the pushers who made a fortune from the drug trade. Sir Rabbie said if PNG could not monitor its international borders, it should seek greater assistance from neighboring countries, such as Australia and Indonesia. He said there was an urgent need to stop drugs being exported and weapons being imported. Sir Rabbie said given the state of the navy vessels, "it is little wonder that the drugs for guns traffic is growing". - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens