Police on Manus Island say they're concerned about refugees getting drunk and smuggling contraband into refugee centres.
They've called on the refugees to respect the law.
The provincial police commander David Yapu said two refugees who were out on bail have been arrested and detained for being drunk and disorderly on Wednesday last week.
Refugees watch the action unfolding at the gate of Hillside Haus. Photo: supplied
He said the pair had earlier been arrested over a drink driving incident which left a young woman dead last month.
Mr Yapu said in the latest incident the men had been trying to bring in beer to their accommodation at the East Lorengau Refugee Transit Centre and been stopped by security guards.
A scuffle ensued and police were called to calm the situation.
He said a drunk refugee had also set fire to a building at Hillside Haus in Ward 1 after he smuggled in beer.
West Lorengau centre under construction in front of Hillside Haus, 24-11-17 Photo: supplied
Mr Yapu said refugees must respect PNG laws and the rules at the centre especially for smuggling contraband items like beer, drugs, homebrew and other illegal items.
The police commander said it's illegal for people to have alcohol in the island's refugee centres.
"You know once you get alcohol into the centre it can create a problem especially when you get drunk. That is one of the centre rules by PNG Immigration to the other stakeholders who are involved at the refugee centre," said David Yapu.
