NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika has issued a warning to all shop owners and citizens in the Capital that the trading and usage of Firecrackers and Fireworks are banned this Festive period. The Met Supt told PNG HAUSBUNG that he will be making sure that all law enforcement officers in the capital will be briefed on their roles and will be executing their orders soon. “I will issue a ban on the sale of all firecrackers and fireworks as it is dangerous and will soon inform all police personnel to keep an eye out for those that don’t adhere to this directive.” Sika said orders will be issued for officers to conduct inspections on shops. He explained that anyone without the proper documentation to have in possession of Fireworks, Firecrackers or any other form of pyrotechnic equipment will be subject to the law. “Fireworks are very dangerous and we need to make sure that they are being used in the proper way, in proper conditions and by professionals.” Under the Explosives Act of 1953, Part III – Possession and Usage of Explosives, Sect. 14-17; which gives regulations on explosives, A person, other than the holder of a licence or a permit, who keeps, stores or is in possession of explosives is guilty of an offence. A holder of a licence or a permit who keeps, stores or is in possession of explosives otherwise than in accordance with this Act and the licence or permit is guilty of an offence. With the penalty being a fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. With police Festive season operations already underway, the police wills soon start conducting inspections on shops regarding the fireworks.