A woman and two men from Tari, Hela Province, were arrested last week for drug possession after being caught transporting marijuana in a taxi from Jacksons International Airport. The incident occurred on June 12 and involved quick coordination between airport security personnel and police officers from the Vision City Cop Shop.
National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Warick Simatab confirmed the arrest and said the three suspects—one of them a 57-year-old woman—are currently in custody and will appear in court this week.
According to a police report, the couple caught the attention of airport security guards after behaving suspiciously upon arrival. The guards monitored the situation and immediately alerted police as the trio left the airport in a taxi. Working together, the guards followed the taxi while maintaining contact with officers, who intercepted the vehicle shortly after.
Upon stopping and searching the taxi, police discovered eleven bags of marijuana weighing a total of 13 kilograms. The suspects were taken to the Vision City police station for further questioning, where they admitted ownership of the drugs.
Superintendent Simatab praised the cooperation between airport security and the police, describing it as a “well-coordinated effort” that led to a successful arrest.
“I want to commend the airport security personnel and Vision City officers for their swift and organized response,” Simatab said. “This is the kind of partnership we need between the private sector and police. When we work together honestly and with integrity, we can prevent crime and keep our communities safe.”
He noted that smuggling drugs into the city by air remains a challenge due to weak coordination between airport security and law enforcement. However, this case demonstrates the success that can come from improved collaboration.
All three individuals have been charged under Section 63 (1) of the Controlled Substances Act 2021 for unlawful possession of a controlled substance. They remain in custody awaiting their court appearance.
[PHOTO CAPTION]: Airport security officers display the confiscated marijuana following the arrest.
