Fifty-four individuals were arrested in the upper highlands region, who were involved in damage of critical infrastructure, firearms offences and related serious offences.
Police also conducted targeted policing operations which ended up in the seizure of high-powered firearms and confiscated vehicles.
In a statement released, Police Commissioner David Manning revealed ongoing coordinated operations across the region have proven successful and Police were able to interrupt networks that have been smuggling illegal weapons
Commissioner Manning stated, police are bringing stability to the Upper Highlands through the removal of criminals from communities through targeted, intelligence-led special policing operations.
” 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.
Manning said Firearms Amnesty is in progress, and Police will continue to put pressure on communities, to disarm and surrender illegal firearms or face the full force of police operations.
The police commissioner confirmed that in the targeted policing operations conducted:
- 5 arrests at Nipa in connection with damage to critical infrastructure
- 6 arrests at a Jiwaka roadblock
- 18 arrests in Enga, 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, Kombia and the Wahgi River.
Several 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.
Police will continue targeted policing operations in the upper highlands region, and they encourage communities to voluntarily disarm and surrender firearms.
