Police in the Upper Highlands region have arrested 54 individuals in connection with damage to critical infrastructure, firearms offences and related serious offences.
Targeted policing operations have also resulted in the seizure of high-powered firearms and the confiscation of vehicles.
Commissioner of Police (COP) David Manning confirmed that ongoing co-ordinated operations across the region had been successful and interrupted networks that had been smuggling illegal weapons.
“Police are bringing stability to the Upper Highlands through the removal of criminals from communities through targeted, intelligence-led special policing operations” Commissioner Manning said.
“For operational security reasons, we have not been able information until now. 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.”
COP Manning said people in possession of illegal firearms know that they will be arrested if they did not turn their weapons during the amnesty period.
“The firearms amnesty is progressing and police will continue to put pressure on communities, to disarm and surrender illegal firearms or face the full force of police operations.”
Targeted policing operations resulted in arrests across the Upper Highlands region, including: Five arrests in Nipa in connection with damage to critical infrastructure; six arrests in Jiwaka; 18 arrests in Enga, including those involved in the destruction of the Mabisanda Lutheran Rural Hospitall; 11 arrests in Rakamnda; three arrests in connection with a firearms incident at Wapenamnda Airport; three arrests in the Tsak Valley; and arrests in Imbonggu, Mt Hagen, lalibu, Kombia and Wahgi River.
A significant number of 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.
Targeted policing operations in the Upper Highlands region will continue in the coming months, as police continue to encouragege communities to voluntarily disarm and surrender