Papua New Guinea’s National Capital District (NCD) police have reported the arrest of an Australian man and a Papua New Guinean woman after they were caught in possession of multiple suspected drug packages inside a guesthouse in Port Moresby.
Authorities have confirmed that the seized substances are currently undergoing forensic testing to determine whether they are methamphetamine (ice) or cocaine.
Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi, NCD Police Commander, issued a stern warning during a media briefing:
“Anyone who dares bring drugs into this country, especially into Port Moresby, will face the full force of PNG law. If you break the law on my turf, you will be punished under our laws and locked up in our prison system.”
According to police, the operation was launched early this morning following a tip-off. Officers raided a suburban guesthouse in Port Moresby and discovered several travel bags containing suspicious packages. Some of the packages appeared sealed and ready for transport, while others remained unpackaged. The suspects were detained on the spot, and forensic analysis was immediately initiated. The exact nature of the substances has yet to be confirmed.
Commissioner Turi stressed that the case remains under active investigation. The suspects will be formally interrogated and charged once all evidence has been reviewed. He added that no further public statements will be made until all findings are submitted to the Office of the Police Commissioner and the NCD Police Headquarters.
This case has once again raised public concern about transnational drug crimes in PNG. Senior police officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening border security and conducting thorough community inspections to prevent illicit drugs from entering the local market.
Turi concluded with a final warning:
“To all foreigners attempting to smuggle drugs into our country—this is Papua New Guinea, not a lawless land.”
