Police in the Upper Highlands region have arrested 54 individuals in connection with damage to critical infrastructure, firearms offences, and other serious crimes, Police Commissioner David Manning updated the country in a statement released today.
Targeted policing operations have also resulted in the seizure of high-powered firearms and the confiscation of vehicles, he said.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/police-operation-leads-to-54-arrests-for-firearms-and-terrorism-offences/
Commissioner Manning has confirmed that ongoing coordinated operations across the region have proven successful, disrupting networks involved in the smuggling of illegal weapons.
“Police are bringing stability to the Upper Highlands through the removal of criminals from communities via targeted, intelligence-led special policing operations,” Commissioner Manning said.
“For operational security reasons, we have not been able to release this 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 the Firearms Act.
“I commend the effectiveness of our police in the Highlands for their tireless work to disrupt these networks and enforce the law 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 surrender their weapons to police.
“The firearms amnesty is progressing, 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:
• Five arrests at Nipa in connection with damage to critical infrastructure.
• Six arrests at a Jiwaka roadblock.
• Eighteen arrests in Enga, including those involved in the destruction of the Mabisanda Lutheran Rural Hospital.
• Eleven arrests in Rakamanda in Wabag;
• Three arrests in connection with a firearms incident at Wapenamanda Airport;
• Three arrests in the Tsak Valley; and,
• Further arrests in Imbongu, Mt Hagen, Ialibu, 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.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/commissioner-manning-applauds-police-crackdown-on-crime-in-enga/
Targeted policing operations, he said, in the Upper Highlands region will continue over the coming months, as police encourage communities to voluntarily disarm and surrender firearms.