POLICE have launched a major investigation after armed assailants intercepted two private security vehicles and stole a shipment of gold bullion, cash and firearms in Port Moresby early Wednesday morning.
Police Commissioner David Manning confirmed the robbery occurred at about 4:30am when the two security vehicles were intercepted by unknown vehicles.
According to Commissioner Manning, 10 armed men held the security crews at gunpoint before taking an undisclosed quantity of gold and cash, along with firearms carried by the security personnel.
The investigation is being led by Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Deputy Commissioner of Specialist Operations Donald Yamasombi.
Commissioner Manning said the gold and cash were being transported by a private security company and that police had not been notified of the movement beforehand.
He said police were not privy to the standard operating procedures used by private security companies contracted to transport commercial valuables.
A number of witnesses are now being interviewed, including members of the security crews, company management and other workers.
Commissioner Manning described the incident as a serious matter and raised concerns about how the valuables were transported.
“Early indications are that the movement of these valuables by the security company leave a lot to be desired in terms of how the private operation was conducted,” he said.
He stressed that private security companies and their clients were expected to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.
Investigators are examining all aspects of the incident, including the operating procedures of the security company.
The immediate priority for police is to identify those responsible and recover the stolen gold, cash and firearms.
Police said further information would be released when appropriate as the investigation progresses.