Simbu police have arrested eight men from Enga Province for allegedly attempting to buy ammunition and bribe an officer via text messages. The arrests took place in Kerowagi earlier this week, following intelligence on their movements.

Among those detained was a policeman attached to Mobile Squad 7. Superintendent Manzuc Rubiang said the suspects were monitored after allegedly offering money for bullets.

“Our members caught them before anything serious could happen,” Rubiang said.

Police seized a magazine of 5.56mm rounds, bush knives, sling shots, and two ten-seater vehicles used by the suspects. The men are in custody at Kundiawa Police Station while investigations continue.

“This shows how far some people will go to get weapons. We will not tolerate this behaviour,” Rubiang said, warning others against illegal arms dealings. The confiscated items are being held at Mobile Squad 8 barracks in Kerowagi.