PNG's Enga Police Arrest Drug Suspect, Six Tribal Fight Leaders

PNG's Enga Police Arrest Drug Suspect, Six Tribal Fight Leaders

 POLICE in Papua New Guinea's Enga Province have arrested a suspected drug smuggler and six alleged tribal fight leaders as authorities intensify efforts to curb criminal activities and restore peace in troubled communities.

Acting Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Daniel Yangen said enforcement operations would continue across the province, warning that offenders involved in drugs, illegal firearms, alcohol-related offences and tribal violence would be dealt with under the law.

Speaking during awareness campaigns at Kambas and Birip markets, Yangen said police would not entertain negotiations over criminal matters and urged the public to assist officers by reporting offenders and providing information on wanted suspects.

"I personally arrested 15 suspects, and there will be no time for negotiations on criminal matters," he said.

"No one is above the law. The law is above every individual citizen in the community."

His remarks followed a police operation at the Nenem Bridge Gun Amnesty Police Checkpoint in Wapenamanda, where officers seized about 10 kilograms of marijuana allegedly being transported on a PMV bus from Wabag to Mt Hagen.

Police arrested a youth from Minamba Valley in Wapenamanda, who allegedly identified himself as a PMV crew member. He was charged with possession of dangerous drugs and detained at Wabag Police Station awaiting his court appearance.

Yangen acknowledged the work of checkpoint commander Constable Jackson Naipe and his officers, who had earlier arrested three suspects later convicted and sentenced to custodial terms by the Wabag District Court.

In a separate operation, Task Force Commander Sergeant Paul Pani and his officers arrested six alleged leaders of tribal fighting in Maramuni LLG, Wabag District.

The arrests involved three suspects from each of the two rival clans engaged in the conflict.

Yangen said the operation demonstrated the commitment of police personnel working in difficult and isolated locations, where access and security challenges often complicate law enforcement duties.

"Policing in a remote area like Maramuni is very challenging, but through hard work and true commitment, the mission was accomplished," he said.

"I salute the officers for their dedication and commitment. Our constitutional duty as police is to apprehend lawbreakers and bring them before the courts of justice."

The conflict between the Monain and Yangari clans reportedly erupted in early June 2026 following a disagreement over a homemade single-shot firearm.

More than 17 people have reportedly been killed, while properties worth millions of kina have been destroyed despite efforts to prevent further violence.

Yangen said the arrest of the six alleged leaders had contributed to a ceasefire between the warring groups, offering an opportunity for affected communities to restore peace.

He described tribal fighting as a "chronic cancer" that continues to undermine family welfare, community livelihoods and development in the province.

Yangen further appealed to Enga residents to surrender illegal firearms under the National Gun Amnesty Program, stressing that voluntary surrender would support efforts to reduce armed violence.

He said police would maintain their operations and community awareness programmes, with a firm focus on apprehending those responsible for criminal offences.