Homebrew blamed for packed jails

By JACINTA COHLEE
A HIGH number of people have been ending up in jails from homebrew-related offences, says an official.
Lae Correctional Service officer-in-charge of detainees’ records Insp Hoxcy Tibilio, told locals of Ginug community in the Wampar local level government of Huon Gulf, Morobe that according to statistics, homebrew was one of the main factors responsible for many youths committing offences and ending up in prison.
Tibilio made the announcement after a number of youths decided to quit committing offences in the community, starting this year.
“According to the statistics, homebrew is one of the main contributing factors for many citizens entering prison,” he said.
“I don’t want to see any of you in the prison after this awareness and reconciliation ceremony.”
Tibilio said Buimo prison had more than 900 inmates and and an inadequate number of Correctional officers.
He said however that the number sometimes increased to more than 1, 000 and then dropped back to 900, but was never less than that.
According to court fines imposed in court, the maximum penalty for producing, dealing and consuming illicit alcohol was K5, 000 or up to four years’ imprisonment.