Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Konedobu (2025)

14/11/2023

MAN ARRESTED AND CHARGED FOR CYBER CRIMES

MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday 14 November 2023

A Hela man has been arrested and charged by the police in Port Moresby for committing cyber crimes against the Governor of Hela, Hon. Philip Undialu.

The suspect, Rickson Apa, 35, of Pureni, Hela Province, is accused of production, uploading and circulating multiple video, audio and text messages in which he made defamatory comments against Governor Undialu regarding multiple issues.

His videos, audios and text messages quickly went viral on various social media platforms, prompting Governor Undialu to file a complaint with the Cyber Crimes unit in Port Moresby.

It will be presented in court that Apa, who had previously been arrested for a similar offense against the Governor, in 2020 absconded from court after being released on bail. Consequently, a warrant of arrest was issued by the committal court. While on the run, Apa allegedly reoffended by posting the derogatory video and audio against Governor Undialu. Mr. Apa appears to be a serial offender.

Members of the Cyber Crimes unit arrested Apa in Gordon on Sunday and charged him for his alleged crimes. He was subsequently released on a K3000 police bail.

Police whilst arresting and charging him, issued warning against citizens the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting individuals from cyber harassment. Public should exercise responsible behavior online and to respect the privacy and reputation of others. Defamatory publications without evidence, cyber bullying and cyber harassments are punishable offence with severe penalties.

Police further warned Rickson Apa that his case will follow appropriate legal channels and expect the accused to fully cooperate with the police during the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

07/09/2023

Police and army continue search for illegal fi****ms and ammunition

MEDIA STATEMENT
Thursday September 07, 2023

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the PNG Defence Force are continuing their best efforts to search and uncover stockpiles of illegal weapons and ammunition.

In a joint media conference held today at the Police headquarters in Port Moresby, Police Commissioner Mr David Manning reaffirmed the commitment of both disciplinary forces in dealing with the challenges of illegal smuggling of weapons, ammunition and controlled substances.

He reminded the people, and those profiteering from these illegal activities to stop. He also sounded a warning to the rank and file that as leaders of both disciplinary forces, they will not take this lightly.

“I made it quite clear that the smuggling of illegal fi****ms and ammunition is a criminal act. Regardless of what oaths you swore, whether it’s under the PNGDF, the RPNGC or the Correctional Services, this action is a criminal action, and you are a criminal when you deliberately and knowingly participate in this type of activity,” Mr Manning said.

This warning comes after a man was arrested attempting to transport ammunition from the Port Moresby Jacksons airport to Mt Hagen. Police investigation is continuing in this case.

Mr Manning said the authorities are concerned with the latest interception of ammunition which he said are tracer rounds and allows for the shooter to be able to see the direction of where he is shooting at in low light.

He further said, “We work at all times to regain the confidence of our people ensuring that we are there in these violent times, but also acknowledge there is a growing reluctance to cooperate with security forces when it comes to giving police intelligence where these fi****ms are coming from, who is in possession of them, who is purchasing them, who is supplying them or who is transporting them into tribal conflict areas.”

Mr Manning said to begin with, it is vital to start where they can, and that is by ensuring and taking stock of their weapons and ammunition, and ensuring that they eliminate any possibility of any reoccurrence of the same.

He said evidence and intelligence would suggest there is a worrying number of weapons and ammunition in the hands of criminal elements.

“Any threat to our sovereignty, peace and order in our country, should be labelled as acts of domestic terrorism,” Mr Manning said.

He hopes in the next sitting, Parliament will progress the reading of the domestic terrorism act, which was proposed on the floor of parliament in the last sitting. The Act will allow the security forces to act with more deliberate and focused efforts without worrying about the legal repercussions or lack of legal cover when expected to use appropriate force when dealing with these threats.

Meanwhile, the Acting Chief of Defence Force, Commodore Philip Polewara, said the PNG Defence Force has already started taking stock of and auditing all its weapons and ammunition.

Despite the best efforts of the two disciplinary forces, he said it is this kind of incident that destroys the process and the efforts of both forces.

07/09/2023

Criminal charges to be laid in relation to UBS loan – Manning issues warning against stirring public unrest

MEDIA STATEMENT
Thursday September 07, 2023

The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has advised that the RPNGC is preparing to obtain warrants for the arrest of a number of individuals in relation to the State loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland in 2014.

The charges intended to be laid have come about following exhaustive investigations and the analysis of evidence from Papua New Guinea, Singapore and Australia over almost 18 months.

The Commissioner said he is foreshadowing this significant operational activity in the interests of public safety and awareness in the event that some of those charged seek to cause social disorder.

“It is fair to say that those likely to be charged are expecting police will be in contact, and they are warned that if they seek to cause public unrest, this will result in additional charges,” the Commissioner said.

“It is important that the public is aware that when these warrants are executed that there is the potential for disturbance so they must be prepared and act responsibly.

“I state very clearly that any illegal or unruly behaviour by supporter groups will be met with a swift and unwavering police response.

“Justice must take its course, and the individuals charged will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court as part of due process.”

Commissioner Manning said the laying of charges is the consequence of the investigation and analysis finalised under the Proceeds of Crime Task Force that was stood up by the RPNGC.

“The matters relating to the UBS loan in 2014 are complex and involve multiple sovereign jurisdictions, with investigations taking place following the handing down of the COI Final Report in March 2022.

“Charges that are about to be laid are not under the Commission of Inquiry Act, but are covered by the Criminal Code Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act.

“These offences that police will allege that the accused have committed are not faceless crimes, but extremely serious and deprived PNG citizens of substantial amounts of public money.

“The alleged offences amount to a massive breach of public trust and abuse of government office and appointment.

“The bottom line is that no one is above or beyond the reach of the law. Police will fearlessly execute their constitutional duties in the service of our country.

“The police personnel working in the Proceeds of Crime Task Force include members of the Fraud Squad, forensic auditors and other specialist experts.

The ‘Royal Commission of Inquiry into processes and procedures followed by the Government of Papua New Guinea in obtaining the offshore loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland and related transactions’ was concluded with the handing down of the Final Report by the COI Chairman on 31 March 2022.

07/09/2023

29 murder and robbery suspects surrender to police

MEDIA STATEMENT
Thursday September 07, 2023

Twenty-nine men surrendered to police in relation to an armed robbery and two murders that took place on Sunday, September 3 in Aroma, Central province.

Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Laimo Asi, who was with his officers on Wednesday, September 6, with the support of three ward councillors from Egala`auna, Maopa and Gaivakala, did a successful operation that led to the surrender of the 29 suspects.

PPC Asi said the situation along the Aroma Coast has been tense since Sunday when the robbery and murders took place. He said police units were dispatched to the crime scene to raise awareness and warned the people not to take the law into their own hands but to bring those suspects involved to police.

He said whilst police awareness and investigations were underway, he had appealed to the three Councilors to get the villagers to identify and bring in the suspects.

“I was present at Egala`auna where the 27 suspects of the two murders surrendered to police plus two suspects of the robbery. The 27 suspects are from Egala`auna who went in a group and fought with the five-armed criminals, and killed two while three escaped. Two of the three who escaped surrendered to the police while one is still on the run,” PPC Asi added.

According to police reports the incident happened in the morning of Sunday, September 03, when five armed men from Maopa were in the process of robbing a Chinese Shop at Egala`auna villager when two of the robbers were killed while three escaped.

Maopa villagers, after learning of the two criminals' deaths, ransacked the store, wounded the Chinese and burnt down the store. Threats were also issued to the Egala`auna people.

Quick intervention from NCD/Central Commander Anthony Wagambie and PPC Asi prevented the situation from getting out of hand. A meeting was held in Port Moresby with the elites from Aroma whilst police units were dispatched to the location to contain the situation.
PPC Asi was pleased with the outcome of the gathering and the surrender of the 29 suspects who are now in police custody.

He said the situation is now calm and the people have been warned not to take the law into their own hands because those allegedly involved are now in police custody. He said police would also investigate the arson and other offence committed in relation to the first incident.

PPC Asi further added that a shotgun that was used in the robbery was also surrendered to him during the awareness on Wednesday.

29/08/2023

Manning warns of serious penalties for online document forgery – calls on public to be vigilant

MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday August 29, 2023

The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has issued a warning to anyone who attempts to falsify a police document is committing a crime that faces a penalty of up to K100,000 and 25 years imprisonment.

Commissioner Manning said altering any electronic document with criminal intent is an offence under the Cybercrime Code Act 2016, and if the fraud is intended to undermine law enforcement and public safety, the full penalty will be sought in court.

With the recent online circulation of a fraudulent document with the RPNGC and INTERPOL crests and fake signatures, the Commissioner called members of the public to be vigilant, and not be tempted to circulate fake documents.

“In the modern age we must all be alert and vigilant so as to not be misled by forgers,” Commissioner Manning said after the fake document was uncovered.

“The fake document attempts to mislead a recipient into believing they are under investigation for serious and horrible crimes, and that they will be arrested and exposed in the media. This forgery could be misused to frighten or extort a recipient.

“While electronic forgeries might be relatively simple to make on a computer, they leave digital signatures that can be traced to the person who created the fake document.

“RPNGC is conducting investigations utilising the skills of digital forensic experts to trace the origin of the forgery and take appropriate action on those involved.

“Anyone with any information on this forgery, or have been victimised by this scam, are asked to contact the RPNGC Cybercrime Unit through their local police station. RPNGC investigators are highly trained professionals and conduct investigations with due regard to individual rights and privacy.”

28/08/2023

PPC Central says discipline to be maintained in schools

MEDIA STATEMENT
Monday August 28, 2023

The newly appointed Provincial Police Commander for the Central Province, Chief Inspector Laimo Asi, is urging students to maintain discipline in schools.

Chief Inspector Asi made this appeal at the Laloki Secondary School last Wednesday where he also warned students that he is ready to penalize those who step out of line.

PPC Asi, who is also the chairman of the Parents and Citizens of Laloki Secondary School, issued the warning to the students and informed them that the police in the province will be monitoring students who are in uniform and are chewing or smoking ci******es inside and outside the school.

Mr Asi, who is the outgoing Deputy Divisional Commander of the National Capital District and Central province, urged the students to respect themselves and the school.

He also called upon students of schools in the Central province to maintain discipline and make sure many students make it to tertiary institutions in the country.

PPC Asi, who is also a board member of Sogeri School of Excellence and Patron of Rigo-Abau and Central Students at the University of Papua New Guinea, said he wants to see more Central students enter tertiary institutions next year and onwards.

He said whilst the teachers at the respective schools are doing their best to educate the students, disciplines must be the responsibility of parents.

“Parents must make it their responsibility to teach their children good behaviour before they go out to schools. Since I am now the Provincial Police Commander of Central and being a local, I want to see students discipline in all the schools throughout the province. I won't hesitate to arrest and prosecute ill-disciplined students. We have to take tough actions on students at school so they will behave and produce good results, so we have good elites in the future," Mr Asi said.

PPC Asi who recently graduated with a Master's in Business Administration (MBA), said he wants to see more Central students going to tertiary institutions and graduate with such. He also added that as the PPC of the province he will also be visiting schools to make sure that the funds that are given to schools are used for their intended purposes.

(Photograph and caption below: PPC Asi addressing students at the Laloki Secondary School in Central Province.

28/08/2023

Mitna says Police continue to be vigilant and maintaining presence in Enga

MEDIA STATEMENT
Monday August 28, 2023

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary welcome a calming of tensions of the past week – but are aware that hostilities are still simmering.

We will remain vigilant and continue to strengthen our presence and engagement in the province.

We are closely monitoring isolated instances of violent confrontation. As part of this process, we are engaging with leaders to ensure that peace can prevail, and law and order restored into our various communities in the tribal fighting areas.

I commend the recent engagement of our political leaders in calling for calm in Enga and engaging with their people in hot spot areas.

Police will ensure that the rule of law is respected by all.

Police operations to combat this domestic terrorism threat in Enga are well underway with:
o ACP Samson Kua tasked to lead specialized efforts against the criminal element in Enga;
o Search warrants being executed against a number of known agitators, and investigations are continuing;
o The tools that police need to deliver maximum force to neutralize this criminal element have been made available; and,
o Police operations are calming tensions, removing instigators, and shining a light on those who pull the strings.

The police leadership is focused on ensuring our security forces have the personnel and tools they need to escalate force in Enga, if required, and mitigate any future threats.

Accordingly, we have two mobile squads are on the ground in Enga, and these are providing targeted support to the Provincial policing manpower.

Two additional mobile squads have been mobilized for urgent deployment in line with operational orders.

Long-range recon units and other specialist units have been inserted. These units are providing security forces with up-to-date intelligence on criminals who seek to terrorize communities. This includes both those who wield guns and those who direct them.

Policing equipment including fi****ms, ammunition, and less-than-lethal munitions continue to be made available to meet operational needs.

I have issued orders for two armored vehicles to be deployed to Enga. These will provide enhanced operational readiness should these criminal elements choose to terrorize local populations.

The Commissioner has announced the formation of the Kumul 23 Police Tactical Group. Kumul 23 is an elite tactical force, combining the best of the police and security forces. This special tactical group will:
 Complement our standard operational forces; and,
 Provide a precision capability to apprehend domestic terrorist ringleaders, dismantle terrorist cells, and target those who direct these terrorists.

This special tactical group reports directly to the Office of Commissioner of Police, and is a key component of our law enforcement and national security apparatus.

I will be able to announce further details about the Kumul 23 PTG in the coming week.

The Commissioner has also announced a formation of Miok Force comprising a team of 70 Enga policemen and women based in the National Capital District to conduct a massive awareness campaign throughout the Enga province. Miok Force will be divided into six teams and will cover all six districts of the Enga Province.

They know the language. They know the customs and they know the underlying issues. As policemen and women they have a genuine desire to bring peace and normalcy back into the Enga Province.

Engan public servants, business-people, student leaders, churches, youth and women groups, will be encouraged to join Miok Force teams in the awareness campaign in the various districts of the Enga province.

We are sending out the message to all Engan elites, you are either with us and want peace and law and order to prevail, or you are against us. No-one should be an observer here. Come on board and let’s bring back peace and stability into the Enga Province.

This is their province, and they must all be involved now in securing peace and order.

Thank you.

Dr Philip Mitna, MPA, PhD
Acting Commissioner of Police

21/08/2023

Tribal fighting in Enga to be overcome through neutralizing fighters and bringing agitators to justice

MEDIA STATEMENT
Sunday August 20, 2023

Commissioner of Police David Manning says the security forces will continue to neutralise combatants, and search warrants are being executed against agitators who are instigating the fighting for their personal and political gain.

“People around our country are horrified by the senseless killing in parts of the Highlands Region, particularly in Enga Province,” the Commissioner said following his weekend briefing with the Prime Minister.

“Operational plans are being adapted to focus on the root manipulators of the bloodshed, while we are increasing the number of security force personnel deployed to hotspots to minimise killing and property damage.

“Through their respective commanders, security force personnel have been instructed to use all means necessary to detain gunmen and to use lethal force when warranted.”

Commissioner Manning said he has advised the Prime Minister and the Internal Security Minister on a number of additional measures being undertaken to reconfigure security operations in Enga.

“Assistant Commissioner Operations, Samson Kua, will lead the effort in his new appointment as ACP Western Region. ACP Kua is being supported with an enhanced deployment of specialist tactical equipment to deliver maximum damage to the criminal element in Enga.

“We are also bringing in senior and respected security personnel who are either from Enga, or have long term experience in the area, to advise local commanders. This is essential for security forces to intervene, and to identify and arrest known agitators, including any political operatives.

“It is important that ramping up personnel in hot spots in Enga does not undermine security presence in other areas. As such, I have appointed Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Jnr to focus on enhancing security operations to support the reopening of Porgera mine, while force strength in areas such as Hela and the Southern Highlands will be maintained.

“We are further increasing capacity for holding the number of detainees from the tribal conflict areas and being processed through the courts. Security personnel guarding those in custody will have zero-tolerance for any risks to the safety of those in custody, guards or the community,” Mr Manning said.

The Commissioner said the approach being taken in Enga today is a break from the colonial methods of the past.

“While we bring the full weight of the State to bear on those who perpetrate these heinous acts, we must be honest and acknowledge that security forces cannot arrest or kill our way out of tribal fighting in Enga. We have to deal with the cause of these conflicts at the roots and stop this senseless violence where it starts.

“We all know the tribesmen going out with guns and bush knives are being manipulated by politicians at all levels. These are puppeteers shedding the blood of their tribesmen for their personal gain.

“Hired gunmen are also being used to conduct raids on villages, but these hired idiots are being slaughtered because they do not know the lay of the land they are threatening.

“A series of search warrants have been sought and are being enacted in relation to the property and communications devices used by known agitators. These include businessmen, political leaders and other prominent people who have affiliations to tribal factions.

“We have to accept that the colonial intervention strategies of the past 50 years have not worked and only made minimal progress. We are dealing with thousands of people who are driven by tens of thousands of years of traditional ways of dealing with conflict.

“There has never been a specific strategy that honestly brings together cultural tradition with modern law enforcement, and of course the potential of political manipulation, so this is where we are rewriting the rulebook.

“As Commissioner, I will see our Police Force continue to adopt a problem-focused model of policing, responding to serious crimes forcefully and without hesitation.

“Community policing engagement will continue with relevant personnel, while the main effort is using force to stop the fighting and detaining the political agitators.

“Many of these are politicians who wear a suit and tie by day, and abuse cultural beliefs and manipulate tribes by night.

“The presence of security force personnel is increasing in Enga Province, and our message is simple. If you pick up a weapon with the intention of fighting you will likely be killed, and if you are a political manipulator causing villagers to bear arms, there is nowhere for you to hide,” Mr Manning said.

16/08/2023

Manning issues Commissioner’s Circular on use of force

MEDIA STATEMENT
Wednesday August 16, 2023

Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary personnel have been issued with a Commissioner’s Circular on the approved use of force in the ex*****on of their duties, to protect lives from domestic terrorist and other criminal activities.

With the escalation of violence in the Highlands and other areas, Commissioner Manning said personnel must be clear on the extent of their powers, and to warn criminals of likely outcomes if they resort to using weapons.

“Today (August 15), I issued a Commissioner’s Circular on the use of force against criminals to reinforce the lawful authority of police personnel,” Commissioner Manning said.

“This is not a circular I issue lightly, but it is necessary, and done so with the full support of the Government in order to quell violence, particularly in the Highlands region.

“I have directed RPNGC personnel to be prepared to deploy lethal force where this is required and reasonable. Commanders are instructed to incorporate this directive into respective operational orders.

“As part of this, RPNGC Members are reminded when using force and lethal force to act in good faith and sound judgement, in accordance with our laws, at all times.”

Commissioner Manning said reports of criminals armed with fi****ms and other weapons terrorising people, particularly in Enga Province, will not be tolerated.

“Police and PNG Defence Force personnel are responding to criminal elements that commit violent acts on law-abiding and vulnerable communities.

“The Commissioner’s Circular issued today (August 15, 2023) provides clear direction as to when and how lethal force is applied.

“In simple terms, if a person is brandishing a gun, an explosive device, or other weapons such a bush knife or catapult, force will be escalated to protect the public and police.

“Domestic terrorists and other criminals have now been given more than fair warning, and they can expect no tolerance by security forces responding to criminal activities.

“Only last week, two gang leaders in East New Britain felt the full force of the law when they confronted police with fi****ms. Those two gang leaders are now dead and their associates in custody.

“The use of lethal force against armed criminals is a necessary option,” Mr Manning said.

08/08/2023

509 police cadets and regular recruits selected for training says Manning

MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday August 8, 2023

A total of 509 people have been selected to undergo the police recruit and cadet training programs from the 13,039 shortlisted applicants for the 2023 recruitment, says Police Commissioner David Manning.

Commissioner Manning said the 509, which includes 443 regular recruits and 66 cadets, will be undergoing intensive training for nine (9) months and three (3) years respectively.

Mr Manning said this today at the Bomana Centre of Excellence in the National Capital District when he addressed the first batch of 222 new police cadets and recruits at the commencement of their training.

Mr Manning was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Administration Joanne Clarkson, Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Dr. Philip Mitna, and acting Deputy Commissioner Specialist Operations Donald Yamasombi.

The officer cadet training will commence in September, followed by the second batch of regular recruits in three (3) months.

Mr Manning congratulated the recruits and cadets for coming through a vigorous and lengthy recruitment process, adding that, “This by no means is the end of your journey. Your nine (9) months of residential and practical sessions that you will undergo are very critical.

“Both your intellectual capacity and attitude will determine whether you are the right person in character and have all ethical values to wear this uniform.

“Being here does not guarantee you to graduate. We will not fail you. It is you though your commitment to training, and your desire to serve our country and our people will sail you through. I want to see you all 222 graduating in 9 months,” Commissioner Manning said.

He further thanked the Marape-Rosso government for focusing on the law-and-order sector and its steadfast commitment to rebuilding the police force and its manpower going forward.

“The police recruitment and training will commence every 12 months until we reach a ceiling of ten thousand,” Mr Manning said.

Deputy Commissioner Administration Joanne Clarkson also echoed that the Constabulary needs more policewomen and encouraged the 61 female recruits in both regular and cadet programs to take the training seriously and join the serving women in the force.

“Currently we have a gender imbalance in the Constabulary, and I want to encourage more women to join the force. The force needs females just as much as it needs men,” Ms Clarkson said.

Ms Clarkson further highlighted that the infrastructure at the Bomana Centre of Excellence has received major facelifts and the recruits will be the pioneers to utilize these new facilities.

08/08/2023

Weapons seized in Mt Hagen interrupts illegal network

MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday August 8, 2023

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary detected and seized a significant weapons cache in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province, and disrupted what is suspected to be a major illegal weapons trafficking network, says Commissioner of Police, David Manning.

Mr Manning said a coordinated security operation involving the RPNGC and the PNG Defence Force, resulted in a series of arrests of individuals allegedly involved in weapons trafficking in the Highlands Region.

The Commissioner said, “Security forces executed search warrants to stop an illegal criminal group that had been channeling fi****ms, ammunition and explosives to combatants involved in tribal fighting and domestic terrorism activities in the Highlands.

“The arrest of a number of people was enabled through the amendments to the Fi****ms Act 2022, that had been passed by the National Parliament in April last year.

“The Marape-Rosso Government has provided updated legislation for security forces to properly pursue and arrest weapons traffickers more effectively than had been possible in the past.

“The seizure of these illegal weapons and the arrest of people behind this gun running will save lives in the Highlands, and is another step forward in stopping the human misery these criminals cause.”

Commissioner Manning said reconnaissance and intelligence gathering in Hela and Southern Highlands provinces led to the initial arrest of a Person of Interest in Hides-four, that led to subsequent arrests culminating in the raid on the weapons cache on 30 July 2023.

“A special investigation team from the Organised Crimes Unit had been deployed to Mt Hagen to take charge of the matter and bring about a successful outcome, with additional arrests to follow.

“The trafficking of illegal weapons and explosives is a serious threat to our national security, and we have put an end to one of the most significant criminal networks involved in this activity.”

The Commissioner said he has also directed the deployment of additional security personnel to protect law and justice officials and the broader public and business community.

“If any affiliates of the arrested individuals attempt to incite violence or cause harm they will be met with a swift and harsh response.

“As such, additional police and defence personnel are in place to ensure the protection of the Senior Magistrate of the court and judicial staff, and law enforcement officials involved in the investigation.

“This increased security in Mt Hagen is also to prevent any escalation of tensions resulting in violence and the destruction of property.

“The arrested alleged weapons traffickers will be processed for their appearance in court at a date to be set by the court,” Mr Manning said.

Operational Background Material for Public Release
• Based on intelligence obtained by Police, an investigation team comprising of RPNGC and the PNGDF, tracked a Person of Interest from Tari in Hela Province into the Western Highlands Province.
• Search Warrants were obtained and tactical security actions were conducted on locations in Mount Hagen from 28 to 30 July 2023.
• A male from Western Highlands Province was arrested by the Special Investigation Team Crimes from Police Headquarters on 28 July 2023.
• The arrested person will be alleged to have been in possession of weapons and ammunition during his apprehension.
• It will be alleged by police that the arrested individual is known for acts of domestic terrorist activities in Komo, Hela Province. He is further alleged to be affiliated to the local gang involved in the recent series of Kidnapping and ransom incidents in Mt Bosavi and nearby areas in Hela, Southern Highlands and Western Highlands provinces.
• The detained male revealed additional information pertaining to connections with an underground network of weapons and ammunition trafficking.
• The information provided by the first suspect was useful in bringing about the arrest of a second man from Western Highlands Province. The second suspect is a known businessman.
• On Saturday 29 July 2023, continuous target specialist police operations resulted in the arrest of a third male from Western Highlands Province, for offences related to this illegal firearm trafficking network.
• A security forces raid was subsequently undertaken on Sunday 30 July 2023 between 07:30am and 11am at a private residence in New Town, Mt Hagen.
• The raid was led by the Mt Hagen Police Station Commander in coordination with the PNGDF.
• The raid on Sunday uncovered the hidden storage of illegal fi****ms, ammunition, explosives, police issued gas gun, armoured vests and helmets and other illegal items.
• Following the further questioning of suspects and information uncovered in communications data, further evidence was uncovered linking the alleged offenders with other criminals involved in the illicit trade and distribution of illegal fi****ms and ammunition.
• Police will allege that key players in the criminal syndicate have supplied and distributed unlicensed weapons, ammunitions, and explosives to tribal fighting areas in the Highlands region as well as other parts of Papua New Guinea.
• On Tuesday, 1st of August 2023, the male found with the weapons cache was formally charged with 10 counts under the Fi****ms (Amendment) Act and 2 counts under the Explosive Act (chapter 308) respectively.
• The charges are:
o Two counts of unlawfully being in the possession of unlicenced Fi****ms under Section 65 (c)(ii) of the Fi****ms (Amendment) Act 2022;
o Eight counts of unlawfully in possession of unlicensed live ammunition under the Section 65A (a) of the Fi****ms (Amendment) Act 2022; and,
o Two counts of unlawfully being in possession of unlicensed explosives under Section 14(1) of the Explosives Act Chapter 308.
• Additional security has been provided to law and justice officials involved in the processing of the matter. This further includes the protection of critical infrastructure in Mt Hagen such as the court house, police station, hospital and critical infrastructure relating to water supply, power supply, and business houses in Mt Hagen.
• Stepped-up security measures include an increase in manpower to conduct ongoing patrols around Mt Hagen City, and to monitor and control the movement of people entering and exiting the police station and facilities in the surrounding vicinity.

Photographs of the raid and seizure below:

Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary

14/11/2023

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21/08/2023

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