PM Marape commends Police and Customs for breaking illegal import operation

 23 March, 2023
PM Marape commends Police and Customs for breaking illegal import operation

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended Police and Customs for their work in breaking an illegal import operation in Lae involved in counterfeit products.

This follows the arrest of a number of expatriates involved in importing counterfeit WasWas Soap – which is made by Lae company Panamex Pacific (PNG) Ltd.

Panamax last week reported to Lae Police that a foreign-owned company in Lae was involved in the sale and distribution of counterfeit Waswas Soap.

“I commend Police and Customs for their success in this joint operation and subsequent arrests,” PM Marape said.

“This is not the first time this has happened and is happening on a wide scale throughout the country.

“Papua New Guinea is missing out on millions of Kina in because of such operations.

“Let this serve as a warning that out country will not be a place for illegal traders.

“Police, Customs and Internal Revenue Commission will be closely monitoring our ports and coming down hard on those involved.”

“Including these public service increases, we estimate over 13,500 jobs created in the year to June, already exceeding our 10,000 formal sector jobs a year target.”

“With the 100 CEO survey that 64% of firms expect to increase the numbers of their staff in 2023, up from 46% in 2022, then the prospects for formal sector jobs is strong” stated the Treasurer.


Authorized by
David Towe
Chief Commissioner of Customs
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