The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Interpol National Central Bureau has received a significant operational boost following the official handover of equipment under the Project Blue Pacific initiative at Police Headquarters in Konedobu Today June 26, 2026.
Project Blue Pacific is a regional capacity building program led by INTERPOL aimed at strengthening law enforcement cooperation and enhancing efforts to combat transnational organized crime across eleven Pacific Island countries, including Papua New Guinea.
The equipment valued at over K60, 000, was funded through contributions from the Australian Federal Police, New Zealand Police, and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, reinforcing a trilateral commitment to regional policing cooperation.
The handover highlighted the growing importance of digital connectivity and intelligence sharing across borders, particularly through INTERPOL secure systems and global databases that support real time investigations.
New Zealand High Commissioner Ms. Georgina Roberts said the initiative reflects long-term commitment and coordination within the INTERPOL network.
“What I wanted to acknowledge is also the commitment that has been demonstrated to continue to support the connectivity and cooperation, awareness and delivery of what it means to work together as part of the Interpol network.”
“It does not just happen by chance, but takes engagement and commitment.”
She said Papua New Guinea’s participation reflects the increasing importance of regional collaboration in addressing complex and evolving security threats.
“We know that the challenges are large and increasing, and the connectivity between regional jurisdictions and also Interpol is a fundamental part of trying to address those challenges that are coming at us from many different angles.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s representative Ms. Tessa Plueckhahn said the partnership strengthens operational cooperation and regional security outcomes.
“This is crucial for supporting investigations both in Australia and across our region, and this work with Interpol is helping strengthen collaborative and mutually beneficial law enforcement partnerships that are essential in addressing transnational crime.”
She added that integrating INTERPOL systems into frontline policing tools is critical for effective response.
“This important work helps to integrate Interpol’s global capabilities into the law enforcement toolbox, ensuring Pacific partners like PNG can access the systems, information, and networks needed to protect our communities.”
Representing the RPNGC Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Hodges Ette, DPS QPM, acknowledged the partnership and its broader institutional impact.
“We are grateful that the Commissioner’s request and nomination of myself and colleagues from Australia and Fiji was accepted, and those are efforts that the Commissioner looked at in part to the younger generation of officers coming, that we need to earn our mission and vision not only within the domestic scene but also international space through Interpol and transnational crime.”
Furthermore, Commissioner Ette expressed his appreciation to partner agencies for their continued support.
The ceremony concluded with acknowledgements to all partner agencies for their continued support in strengthening policing systems and enhancing regional security cooperation.
