31 Jul 2012

Vanuatu opposition fears cover-up over Phocea search

1:18 pm on 31 July 2012

The deputy leader of Vanuatu's opposition says he believes something major is being covered up in the case of a yacht that was raided by police.

Police raided the mega yacht, Phocea, in Vila Harbour, amid suspicion it carried arms and drugs.

Two ministers were allegedly onboard the yacht, before it was searched, but police are refusing to comment on any detail of the case.

The leader of the Vanuaaku Party, Edward Natapei, says if the Prime Minister is not going to deal with two ministers who are allegedly involved, he should resign.

"Even the acting Commissioner of Police, who was appointed by the Prime Minister, to take over the leadership of the force, is tight-lipped about it. And he is saying that only the Prime Minister will disclose anything about the search that they carried out. So, they have not revealed any information to the public in Vanuatu."

Edward Natapei.