Police in the Upper Highlands region have arrested 54 individuals in connection with damage to critical infrastructure, firearms offences and related serious offences. Targeted policing operations have also resulted in the seizure of high-powered firearms and the confiscation of vehicles.
Police Commissioner, David Manning, has confirmed that ongoing co-ordinated operations across the region have proven successful and interrupted networks that have been smuggling illegal weapons.
“Police are bringing stability to the Upper Highlands through the removal of criminals from communities through targeted, intelligence-led special policing operations” Commissioner Manning confirmed.
“For operational security reasons, we have not been able information until now. The most serious offenders have been remanded in custody awaiting trial, and Police will be seeking maximum sentences available under the Counter-terrorism Act and Firearms Act.
“I commend the effectiveness of our police in the Highlands for their tireless work to interrupt these networks and bring the law down on those who do not respect the laws of our nation.
“Our presence and targeted outcomes are a driving force behind the current illegal firearms amnesty. People holding illegal guns know that they will be arrested if they do not turn their weapons over to police.
“The Firearms Amnesty is progress and Police will continue to put pressure on communities, to disarm and surrender illegal firearms or face the full force of police operations.” Targeted policing operations have resulted in arrests across the Upper Highlands region, including:
– 5 arrests at Nipa in connection with damage to critical infrastructure;
– 6 arrests at a Jiwaka roadblock;
– 18 arrests in Enga arrested, including those involved in the destruction of the
Mabisanda Lutheran Rural Hospital;
– 11 arrests in Rakamnda;
– 3 arrests in connection with a firearms incident at Wapenamnda Airport;
– 3 arrests in the Tsak Valley; and,
– Further arrests in Imbongu, Mt Hagen, lalibu, Kombia and the Wahgi River.
A significant number of high-powered firearms were seized during police operations, including M4 and M16 assault rifles, long range rifles, pistols, and a number of homemade guns.
The arrests made to date have resulted in charges being laid under the Counter-terrorism Act 2024, and the Firearms Act 1978.
Targeted policing operations in the upper highlands region will continue over coming months, as police continue to encourage communities to voluntarily disarm and surrender firearms.