MINISTER for Police, Sir John Pundari, has made it clear that anyone found in possession of an illegal firearm in Papua New Guinea (PNG) will face mandatory life imprisonment.
Sir John said the penalty will also apply to cross-border firearms traffickers operating from Indonesia, Australia, the United States, and any other country, as well as those involved in the illegal trade within PNG. The law will apply equally to both foreign nationals and Papua New Guinean citizens.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, August 6, at the State Function Room in Parliament House, Sir John appealed to the public to surrender all illegal firearms under the National Firearms Amnesty and Guns Buy-Back Program before the amnesty period ends.
He said every citizen is aware of the devastating impact illegal firearms have on communities, contributing to tribal fighting, murders, rapes, break-ins, vehicle theft, drug trafficking, and many other serious crimes.
“Any member of the security forces—whether from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the Correctional Service, or
the Papua New Guinea Defence Force—who is caught transporting or trading illegal firearms or ammunition will also face mandatory life imprisonment, not just the end user,” Sir John said.
Sir John added that authorities are also targeting the financial backers who fund the acquisition of high-powered weapons for criminal groups and small operators, with everyone involved in the illegal firearms supply chain to be held accountable under the law.
The Police Minister urged the public to surrender all illegal firearms before the amnesty period concludes on September 16.
“Police, security forces, and our specialist tactical units will be relentless in recovering illegal firearms once I declare the amnesty concluded,” Sir John said.
The firearms amnesty has now entered its fifth month, with only a few weeks remaining before it comes to an end.