FOUR police officers have been awarded for their roles in a drug investigation that saw 60 shipping containers of meth seized in Papua New Guinea.
The Australian Federal Police, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) launched a multi-national investigation in June 2021 after a suspicious freight consignment was detected in the US.
The consignment was bound for PNG on a ship, and the AFP said it could also have reached Australia.
An Australian man and two PNG nationals were arrested in PNG after US investigators discovered 168 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in 60 containers on board.
Authorities removed the bulk of the substance for a controlled delivery to the intended recipient in PNG.
Officers carried out a search warrant of the consignment delivery address where they seized mobile phones and laptops, documents and an unregistered firearm and ammunition.
The three men were charged with offences relating to the importation of the narcotics.
The AFP said due to PNG legislation at the time, a number of charges were not able to be prosecuted successfully.
However, the investigation was the catalyst for legislative reform with the Controlled Substance Act 2021 being implemented.
The AFP has previously recognised the contribution of a number of RPNGC Transnational Crime Unit members and AFP officers involved in the operation in PNG in 2022.
At the recent award ceremony, the AFP and US Homeland Security Investigations presented awards including the HSI award for Outstanding Accomplishments for Narcotics and Contraband Smuggling.
PNG Customs Commissioner Benjamin Sine, RPNGC Acting Deputy Commissioner Donald Yamasombi, RPNGC Transnational Crime Unit member Senior Sergeant Manu Pulei and AFP Inspector Sue Smith all received the HSI award.
The AFP also presented Commissioners Certificates to the three officers from PNG.
AFP Detective Superintendent Brendon Withers said RPNGC Pacific Transnational Crime Network members were instrumental in the success of the investigation.
“The AFP and our partners take our responsibility to stop criminals using the Pacific as a maritime drug highway to Australia very seriously,” Detective Superintendent Withers said.
“These members have done an outstanding job and contributed to disrupting transnational and serious organised crime in the region.
“The AFP and RPNGC have a long history of working together, especially in relation to combatting transnational crime and we look forward to building on this strong partnership.”
