Vanuatu police

Radio communication capabilities at the Police Post were recently upgraded by Australian Army Signallers and Vanuatu Police Force members.

The project was part of the Vanuatu Government National Emergency Radio Network, which installed and trained VPF members in Tongoa on both High Frequency radios and Very High Frequency portable radios.

Vanuatu Police said the radios will be very useful in the coming months during any cyclone or disasters.

Police have reminded the public to be safe and stay away from crimes.

The awareness campaign was conducted at 40 houses and two schools.

Police officers did house to house visits and spoke to about 100 members of the public.

Participants are from the three elements of the Vanuatu Police Force, Vanuatu Mobile Force, Police Maritime and the general police.

Officer In-Charge of the VMF Training Wing, Lieutenant Tekol Masteia, said, “This is one of the first training courses that includes a big number of participants. Majority of the participants are VMPF personnel.”

Police also destroyed over 200 young plants during the raid last week.

The marijuana plants were seized from Salili Area.

Several suspects were arrested and detained following the seizure.

They are expected to appear in court soon.

Marijuana is a prohibited drug in Vanuatu.

The unit is one of the many projects VPF has established with Australia Federal Police, under the Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Programme.

Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Clemency Oliphant congratulated the VPF for the successful upgrade of the unit and the staff.

“CSU has a critical role in the VPF as it provides administrative and management service, advice and training, among other roles. This unit allows for the functioning of the VPF and makes its work better. It is the VPF’s engine room,” Oliphant said.

The Vanuatu Police Force warns that it will deal with anyone caught aiming laser devices at an aircraft taking off or approaching the airport for landing.

“Police can arrest you if you aim a laser or a bright torch at an aircraft, causing an incident. You will be taken to court and could end up in jail,” VPF said.

“We are appealing to the chiefs and leaders of residential areas near the airport such as Blandinere, Prima, Abattoir, End of Airport and Mele to seriously warn their people to stop the dangerous practice of pointing laser devices at aircrafts.”

The Vanuatu Police Force released a statement following a search conducted at the Fatumauru Bay in Port Vila on Friday night last week.

Police officers conducted the search and caught several school students under the influence of alcohol.

VPF stressed that parents as caretakers must be attentive.

“A lot of activities happen during weekends. The safety of everyone is paramount. Parents and guardians should be checking on the whereabouts of their children,” VPF stated.

 The Vanuatu Daily Post estimates the illegal activity could have lost the government nearly 200 thousand U dollars in lost revenue.

Operation, named India Delta, has involved police and immigration officers.

A spokesman for the operation says the scheme is ongoing and his investigators are searching homes and offices for false documents and forging equipment or tools.

Vocor departed for Australia yesterday

She will be studying and training with the Royal Australian Navy Midshipmen for five months.

The Australian High Commission in Vanuatu said PC Vocor is expected to further develop her skills, knowledge and behaviours that is required to be an effective maritime security officer and leader.

PC Vocor is the second Vanuatu Police Force member to attend NEOC after PC Rachel Amkori graduating from the prestigious course last year.

Vanuatu Police Force thanked Australia for the Partnership.

The appointment was made by the President of the Republic, Obed Moses Tallis.

Order No. 75 of 2021 stated that the President made the appointment in exercise of the powers given to him to undertake such task under the Police Act (CAP 105).

Colonel Iavro is a graduate from the New Zealand Army Officer Cadet School in the 1990s.