JOINT security operations from members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), operating under the command of Enga Provincial Police Commander continue to target alcohol fuelled crimes across Wabag and surrounding areas, with further arrests and significant seizure of alcohol during the operations.
Enga PPC, Chief Superintendent Steven Harris said that during the coordinated patrols conducted between 10 and 11 May 2026, security forces seized 57 cartons of SP Beer suspected to be part of the illegal alcohol trade.
The targeted law and order operations were carried out within Wabag CBD, Kamas and Und Village in Kamas area.
PPC Harris confirmed that 14 individuals were arrested for drunk and disorderly behaviour. He said one foreign national was also detained and was handed to the police investigators for further inquiries.
“Alcohol continued to be a major driver of violence, disorder and offending across Enga Province,” PPC Harris said.
“It is a significant driver of violence and crime in Enga, and we have seen assaults, tribal violence, domestic violence, public disorder and serious offending linked directly to intoxication and the illegal sale of alcohol.”
PPC Harris said that the combined security operation under his command is ramping up and not going away.
He discourages people to carry bush knives and axe around town and that failure to comply will result in arrest.
PPC said there were criticism regarding the focus on illegal alcohol supply and alcohol-related offences, but operational realities on the ground were clear.
“I encourage those people who argue against focussing on alcohol-related violence and crime to stand in the middle of two groups of drunk men fighting and explain how their alternative approach would work,” PPC Harris said.
“I will have CID on hand to investigate what happens to you. The reality is that alcohol is driving violence and instability in our communities and we will continue targeting it.”
PPC Harris said the latest seizure of alcohol adds to the previous large alcohol seizures made during operations in the province in recent weeks, with more than 500 cartons of illegal alcohol now seized by authorities as part of ongoing enforcement activities.
He added that in the last 72 hours, for the first time this year, there were no calls for police to respond to tribal disputes, no significant violent incidents reported and no reports of serious crime.
He said this is the result of consistent enforcement, visible policing, community cooperation and people making better decisions.
“I commend the leaders across Enga who are stepping up and reflecting the true Engan values of peace, respect and giving,” PPC Harris said.
“I also thank the people of Enga for respecting the work of the security forces including PNGDF during these difficult months.”
“Most community members supported the strong law enforcement approach currently being taken.”
PPC Harris said that the non-mediation approach he formulated before assuming responsibility as Enga PPC is firmly entrenched and is supported by every person.
“People are telling us clearly, they want enforcement of the law, and they want offenders to be arrested for peace in their communities,” PPC Harris said.
He said the recent improvement also demonstrated what could be achieved when communities, police and soldiers worked together under the rule of law.
When police, soldiers and the community work together under the rule of law, peace follows.
PPC said Enga is not a war zone, but it is a province with strong people, strong culture and strong communities that deserve safety, stability and the protection of the law.
He said police and Defence Force personnel would continue working together to protect the public and enforce the law.