Police in Western Province have arrested a 34-year-old man from Merauke in the Muting District of District of Indonesia for illegal purchase of eagle wood and being in possession of unlicensed firearms.
The suspect was arrested at Nomand Station in Middle Fly District on Tuesday 04th November 2025 following a tip off, according to North Fly acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Inspector, Anjap Minata.
Inspector Minata pointed out the suspect was located and apprehended by police personnel who were providing security during the 2025 Local Level Government elections.
Moreover, Inspector Minata emphasized that Police further discovered the suspect was buying eagle wood for almost six (6) months after being questioned by police. The suspect had been illegally purchasing eagle wood without a business permit to operate.
Police later revealed the suspect brought in five rifles into the country. While he possessed one, four were sold to locals while under the pretext of buying eagle wood.
Police are currently investigating just how many riffles were brought into the country and to establish facts to see if there are any deals in place.
The suspect is in police custody, and he will be charged for being in possession of unlicensed firearms as well.
It was further alleged that the suspect gained entry to PNG from the border especially in the Fly Zebo LLG area. The suspect was brought into the Kiunga police station to effect his arrest under the PNG appropriate laws.
The police are now appealing to locals who bought those rifles from him to immediately surrender to police as you have no rights to have those riffles in your possession.
“You are illegally in possession of them so surrender to the hands of police personnel before they come to your house. It is not hard as we have good law-abiding citizen in the province and with their support, police will come to you, so surrender the riffles,” PPC Minata said.
PPC also warned the locals living along the border villages to be mindful of whom they are doing businesses with either domestically or internationally. He said the locals must be mindful and conscious of their conduct and must adhere to the protocols and laws.
