Undeclared guns shipment was destined for PNG police

2:13 pm on 14 October 2016

Papua New Guinea's government says a shipment of firearms sent from South Korea was impounded by Customs because it was not properly declared.

The 280 semi-automatic guns seized in Lae this week and locked up at the Defence Force's Igam Barracks were reportedly enroute to Port Moresby and destined for the police force.

The government's chief secretary said the guns import was ordered by police through a private company, but that due to lack of documentation, customs agents impounded the shipment.

The newspaper, The National, quotes Isaac Lupari saying Customs investigated the shipment and provided a report to the National Security Advisory Council.

For now, the Defence Force remains in control of the firearms.

Mr Lupari said it's up to the Defence Force Commander and the Police Commissioner to arrange how these firearms are going to be utilised between the two forces.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Oro Province, Gary Juffa, has warned that the undeclared shipment of guns is a matter of national security and should be investigated.

Mr Juffa, who is a former top Customs official, said that there were serious questions over the legitimacy of the procurement of the arms.

He said only licensed firearm dealers should be used to import arms and the police should know this because they are the regulatory authority which issues the licenses.

"If the company is not a licensed dealer, it is an illegal import and if not declared, it is trafficking and smuggling and thus those involved are liable for prosecution by Customs," he explained.