rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

Situational analysis of drug and alcohol issues and responses in the Pacific
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for every two years. 608 In 2005 the provincial
administration in Lae identified illicit trade
as an issue, undertaking a ‘clean-a-thon’ to
eradicate public consumption of illicit drugs
and alcohol. 609 Despite the reported troubles,
in the period from 1999 to 2004 there were
an estimated 307 arrests by the Drugs and
Vice Squad for drug-related offences, with
60 per cent of offenders convicted in court,
23 per cent absconding while on bail, 10 per
cent dismissed for lack of evidence, and the
balance placed on good behaviour bonds. 610
Failed attempts at enforcement around illicit
drug trafficking and use, and failure to enforce
current legislation for alcohol-related
offences (as identified at the PDARN meetings
in 2008 and 2009), suggest the need to
reconsider cuurent approaches to drug and
alcohol policy in PNG. There is a clear argument
for the development of a framework
for a multi-sectoral response.
Health
The PDARN delegate reports that mental
health services are largely responsible for
addressing substance use issues with the
support of non-government organisations
and church groups. Newspaper and radio
programs are also used as a vehicle to undertake
mass audience awareness-raising activities.
The legal drinking age in PNG is 18
years. 611 In December 2008, the Papua New
Guinea Government announced a complete
ban on the sale of betel nuts in plastic bags
to commence early in 2009. While the ban
appeared to be motivated by environmental
concerns, 612 a later report suggested up to
2000 people die yearly from health problems
associated with chewing betel nut. 613 These
included cancers, ulcers and tuberculosis.
The most recent Census was undertaken by
the National Statistics Office in 2000, with
data collected once a decade since 1971. A
simplified format suggests that no behavioural
questions are asked. 614
608 PNG security chief says intelligence in ‘shambles’, Papua New Guinea Post-Courier, 2 October
2003. Available at: (accessed
January 2009).
609 Illicit drug trade rampant in Lae, Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association, 8 November 2005.
Available at:
(accessed January 2009).
610 2nd PDARN meeting, July 2006.
611 International Center for Alcohol Policies, Minimum Age Limits Worldwide: table available at:
(accessed April 2009).
612 Betel nut ban in Port Moresby delayed a month. Radio New Zealand International, 30 December
2008. Available at: (accessed
December 2008).
613 Betel nut chewing deadly in Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea Post-Courier, 11 February
2009. Available at: (accessed February 2009); see also .
614 Papua New Guinea Census results are published by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community,
available at: (accessed
May 2009).