By Mike Puia
Gizo
WESTERN Province Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu has expressed his concern on the lack of proper management in the country’s border with Papua New Guinea
Mr Lenialu uttered this when making reference to an incident where a Ukraine national was held by police in neighbouring Choiseul province for entering the country without a valid passport.
Taro police was alerted by the Immigration Department of the 28-year-old Ukrainian’s entry through the Shortland Islands.
He was discovered to have no passport. The Ukrainian was ordered to board a flight and leave the country but he failed to do so. He instead travelled to the Shortlands but police followed and apprehended him.
Lenialu said the incident involving the Ukrainian shows the border is a real concern.
He said the border poses a threat and risk to islands in the country’s western region.
The PPC, who is based in Gizo, urged communities along the border to report to authorities illegal entries they are aware of.
He said this information will help police to respond in a quick and efficient manner.
Lenialu said they hope with an Immigration officer ready to settle down under the Taro police post they hope the officer will get quick support.
“We should not entirely close the border. We only need to properly manage it,” the Western province police commander said.
