The Chief of Defence Force (CDF), Major General Mark Goina DMS, CBE has confirmed that, as part of their ongoing joint inter agency security operations, personnel from the PNGDF Forward Operating Base at Tari and RPNGC MS6 members carried out a check of a charter flight from Port Moresby to Komo.
The flight consisted of 100 passengers (97 males and 3 females) and all luggages and cargo was searched on arrival. The search was based on intelligence that people may have been trying to smuggle weapons and other contraband items into Hela on that flight.
During the search the RPNGC MS6 team and PNGDF Military Police found, and confiscated, uniforms from the passengers including: 2 X DPU (combat pattern) shirts, 2 X DPU (combat pattern) trousers similar in style to current issue to the Defence Force, and 1 x pair of combat style boots.
Additionally an unlicensed firearm was confiscated from a local after a search of the convoy of the passengers heading back to Tari. This whole incident is now being investigated by the RPNGC.
This successful joint inter agency operation reinforces the close working relationship between the security forces operating in the Highlands. It is also a strong warning to anyone who is thinking about undertaking illegal or criminal acts, that the security forces will act swiftly and decisively on all intelligence leads.
Major General Goina stated, reiterating the words of the Police Commissioner David Manning at the launch of the National Election security operations in the Highlands on 17 June 22, that the joint task force of RPNGC, PNGDF and PNG CS are determined to ensure that the region remains safe and secure for all members of the community leading up to, during and beyond the 2022 National Election.