An intelligence-led counter-terrorism operation has resulted in the seizure of a number of
factory-made weapons, ammunition and military-grade explosives in a raid on a business
location in Poroma, Southern Highlands Province, on 26 September 2026.
The operation resulted in the seizure of six firearms, 363 rounds of ammunition, ten firearm
magazines, and 4 blocks Of C-4 explosives.
Commissioner Of Police, David Manning, announced the successful outcome Of the Counter-
Terrorism Operation that highlights one Of the greatest challenges to public safety and
security in the country by violent criminal networks.
“The threat posed by these domestic terrorist groups is serious, and Police will continue to
break open their networks, remove weapons and take suspects into custody to prevent them
from undertaking attacks on vulnerable communities,” Commissioner Manning stated.
“In particular, the discovery of C-4 explosive blocks and detonation fuses is extremely
alarming, as this material has no legitimate use in civil society and is extremely dangerous.
“Criminals holding these explosives, along with assault rifles, shotguns and hundreds of
rounds Of ammunition pose a high terrorist threat and this is why we have new laws in place
to deal with them. The weapons seized in this operation would have caused serious loss Of
life and irreparable harm to communities.
“Investigations are still underway and charges being prepared, as well as the ongoing hunt
for accomplices and those involved in bring the weapons to where they were hidden.”
The Commissioner said the Police Tactical Group demonstrated their tactical capabilities in
planning and executing the raid.
“This was an intelligence-led operation that involved the tracking Of individuals involved, and
intensive surveillance Of the location in the week leading up to the raid.
“In a synchronised operation, specialist Police resources breached the target building and
secure weapons, ammunition and explosive material.”
The raid was the second in two weeks to uncover military-grade weapons, after a
transnational smuggling network was broken in Port Moresby on 8 October.
All weapons have been secured and are being prepared as evidence. Further information
will be released on this operation as develo ments come to hand and can be released.
