Papua New Guinea police have seized a cache of high-powered semi-automatic rifles, firearm parts and manufacturing equipment in Port Moresby.
Police commissioner David Manning said the cache is linked to an international firearms trafficking syndicate.
According to Manning, police acted on intelligence shared by international partners, and following covert surveillance conducted by PNG police.
Police investigators and specialist units executed search warrants at a residence in Gerehu last Thursday (8 October).
Items seized include fully assembled semi-automatic rifles, rifle parts sufficient to assemble multiple weapons, magazines, 3D printing technology, accessories used for firearm assembly, and documentary evidence.
“This seizure highlights the serious threat posed by transnational criminal syndicates exploiting Papua New Guinea for the movement of illicit firearms” Manning said.
“These guns fuel violence, undermine community safety, and pose a grave national security risk. The Constabulary will not stop in dismantling these criminal networks and will continue to bring offenders to justice.”
The commissioner confirmed an adult male was arrested – the man remains in police custody pending charges.
“Investigations confirm that the arrested adult was a key coordinator in relation to the smuggling of firearms into Papua New Guinea, concealing dismantled parts in purportedly legitimate importations and transporting them via international courier services,” Manning said.
“The uncovered crimes are not small matters. This was a calculated, well-organised criminal operation designed to destabilise our communities, arm criminals and enrich transnational crime syndicates.”
