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 channelling firearms, 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 Firearms 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 firearms, 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 firearms 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 Firearms (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 Firearms under Section 65 (c)(ii) of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 2022;
o Eight counts of unlawfully in possession of unlicensed live ammunition under the Section 65A (a) of the Firearms (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.
