Papua New Guinea police have uncovered a major shipping racket and have recovered a container full of cigarettes worth nearly 200-thousand US dollars.
Two expatriates of Asian origin and two Papua New Guineans are now in police custody facing criminal charges, while detectives are investigating the role of several wharf employees allegedly involved in the Port Moresby scam.
The National newspaper reports police believe the seized container is part of a well-organised syndicate operating in the capital, aimed at defrauding big corporate entities and the State.
The Police Commissioner, Sam Inguba, says they have uncovered just the tip of the iceberg but investigations will be thorough and they intend to expose the rot.
The National newspaper reports the Internal Revenue Commission may have lost over 150-thousand dollars in tax, because the container was tampered with and false documents were presented.