Papua
New Guinea police have seized a cache of high-powered
semi-automatic rifles, firearm parts and manufacturing
equipment in Port Moresby.
Police commissioner David
Manning said the cache is linked to an international
firearms trafficking syndicate.
According to Manning,
police acted on intelligence shared by international
partners, and following covert surveillance conducted by PNG
police.
Police investigators and specialist units
executed search warrants at a residence in Gerehu last
Thursday (8 October).
Items seized include fully
assembled semi-automatic rifles, rifle parts sufficient to
assemble multiple weapons, magazines, 3D printing
technology, accessories used for firearm assembly, and
documentary evidence.
“This seizure highlights the
serious threat posed by transnational criminal syndicates
exploiting Papua New Guinea for the movement of illicit
firearms” Manning said.
“These guns fuel violence,
undermine community safety, and pose a grave national
security risk. The Constabulary will not stop in dismantling
these criminal networks and will continue to bring offenders
to justice.”
The commissioner confirmed an adult male
was arrested – the man remains in police custody pending
charges.
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“Investigations confirm that the arrested
adult was a key coordinator in relation to the smuggling of
firearms into Papua New Guinea, concealing dismantled parts
in purportedly legitimate importations and transporting them
via international courier services,” Manning
said.
“The uncovered crimes are not small matters.
This was a calculated, well-organised criminal operation
designed to destabilise our communities, arm criminals and
enrich transnational crime
syndicates.”
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