Governor of Hela Province, Hon. Philip Undialu, MP, has issued a stern warning to Chinese businessman Leon Mau following the discovery of alcohol sales in violation of the Hela Provincial Liquor Ban.
The incident involved Mr. Mau’s storekeeper being caught with a carton of vodka and beer at Margarima. Although the storekeeper was released on K2,000 bail, Mr. Mau himself remains in Mt. Hagen, while continuing to operate shops across Margarima, Tari, and Koroba.
Governor Undialu has demanded that Mr. Mau present himself in Tari to face police and the Hela Liquor Licensing Board for questioning. “If he refuses, I will formally write to the Minister for Immigration to cancel his visa and have him deported immediately,” the Governor declared. “We will not tolerate lawbreakers in our province—foreign or local.”
The Governor emphasised that the alcohol ban enjoys widespread support from Hela’s people, local leaders, and business community. “If respected leaders like Tari Urban Lord Mayor Andaija Jali and George Tagobe can comply by destroying their own alcohol stocks, what gives this foreign operator the right to ignore the law? He is a guest in this country and must behave accordingly.”
In response to the incident, the Governor confirmed that a full investigation into Mr. Mau’s business operations is underway. This includes scrutinising his visa status, immigration history, tax compliance, business licenses, Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) records, and any suspected illegal trading activities.
“We’re not stopping here,” Governor Undialu said. “I will report this matter to IPA, IRC, and the Police to investigate thoroughly. If this man has been cheating the system, we will find out—and we will act decisively.”
The Governor also issued a warning to other foreign shop owners in Hela who may be secretly selling alcohol or engaging in illicit activities with corrupt elements. “Let me be very clear,” he said, “lawlessness will not be tolerated, and enforcement will be swift.”