Armed gang busted in PNG's Morobe highway operation

A major police operation in Papua New Guinea's Morobe Province has led to the arrest of more than a dozen suspected criminals believed to be behind a wave of violent holdups along the Wau–Bulolo Highway.

The arrests followed a planned raid at Pine Top in the Wau Waria District on December 12, after police acted on intelligence supplied by concerned members of the public.

Morobe Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru, said the operation involved officers from Bulolo Police Station, supported by the Criminal Investigation Division and the Police Support Unit, targeting an organised group that had been terrorising road users.

 Armed gang busted in Morobe highway operation in PNG  [Photo by Police Media]

A total of 14 suspects, including one juvenile, were taken into custody, while two other suspects remain on the run and are being sought by police as persons of interest.

During the raid, police also uncovered an illegal firearms manufacturing site and seized a significant number of weapons, ammunition and equipment believed to have been used in criminal activities.

The items seized included several homemade guns, a factory-made single-shot firearm, 7.62mm live ammunition, welding and grinding machines used to produce weapons, a generator, mobile phones containing evidentiary material, and other crime-related items such as masks, gloves, torches, bush knives and axes.

Chief Superintendent Siguyaru said investigations showed the group operated in armed numbers, ambushing public motor vehicles and private vehicles, especially at night near the Pine Top Bridge area.

He said the gang’s activities created widespread fear among motorists and nearby communities, posing a serious risk to safety along the busy highway.

Police have charged nine of the suspects with unlawful possession and control of firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of stolen property. Four others have been charged with loitering and possession of firearms.

Several of the suspects are known to police and have previous convictions for serious offences, including armed robbery, breaking and entering, threatening violence and wounding.

Chief Superintendent Siguyaru said the successful operation had significantly weakened criminal elements operating along the Wau–Bulolo Highway and removed illegal weapons from the community.

He praised the officers involved for their professionalism, discipline and effective use of intelligence, saying their actions reflected the high standards expected within the Morobe Provincial Police Command.

Police investigations are continuing to link the suspects to other crimes in Bulolo and Wau, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects still at large.

Chief Superintendent Siguyaru reaffirmed that police remain committed to protecting the public, especially during the festive season.