PNG Police Target Suspected Criminal Network After Explosives Discovery

PNG Police Target Suspected Criminal Network After Explosives Discovery/Photo supplied

 Four blocks of C-4 explosives, six firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition have been taken into police custody following a targeted raid in Poroma, Southern Highlands Province, in an operation authorities say is part of a wider effort to break up dangerous criminal networks in Papua New Guinea.

The weapons cache was discovered on September 26 after police conducted surveillance and tracked individuals linked to the target location. Investigators also recovered 10 firearm magazines and are working to establish who owned the materials and how they came to be concealed at the premises.

Commissioner of Police David Manning said the operation highlighted the risks posed by armed criminal groups and the need to prevent weapons and explosives from being used against local communities.

He said the investigation remained active, with police seeking additional suspects and preparing charges in connection with the seizure.

“The threat posed by these domestic terrorist groups is serious, and Police will continue to break open their networks, remove weapons and take suspects into custody to prevent them from undertaking attacks on vulnerable communities,” Mr Manning said.

The commissioner said the discovery of C-4 explosives and detonation fuses was especially concerning, given the potential for loss of life if the materials were used unlawfully.

He said the combination of military-grade explosives, firearms and ammunition made the cache a serious security concern.

“Criminals holding these explosives, along with assault rifles, shotguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition pose a high terrorist threat and this is why we have new laws in place to deal with them. The weapons seized in this operation would have caused serious loss of life and irreparable harm to communities,” he said.

Mr Manning said the raid followed a week of intelligence gathering and surveillance before specialist police officers moved in to secure the premises.

The Police Tactical Group was responsible for the tactical execution of the operation, which resulted in the recovery of all identified weapons and explosive materials.

The latest seizure comes amid a series of police efforts to disrupt suspected weapons trafficking, including an operation in Port Moresby on October 8 that targeted a transnational smuggling network.

All recovered items have been secured for evidentiary purposes. Police said investigations would continue into the suspected network, with further updates to be provided when appropriate.