RPNGC and AFP team up to stop criminal gangs entering PNG

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary [RPNGC] and the Australian Federal Police [AFP] are set to deploy critical resources to detect and prevent criminal gangs from establishing operations in Papua New Guinea.

The announcement comes following the signing of a Joint Agency Agreement [JAA] on November 2, aimed at disrupting international criminal networks before they can infiltrate either country.

Commissioner of Police David Manning said the agreement targets the sharp-end of policing, focusing on breaking apart criminal gangs before they can set up in PNG.

"International criminal networks are attempting to use PNG as a stepping stone for extending
their illicit activities into Australia, but our police forces are working together to shut them
down before they become active," the Commissioner said.

The JAA allows for the mutual sharing of intelligence between PNG and Australian police, enabling both forces to identify threats early. This includes preventing drug trafficking, money laundering, illegal gold mining, and human trafficking.

"The JAA is not about training, it is about aligning our policing operations to ensure we break
apart these transnational criminal organisations, and arrest criminals and local facilitators
who support them in both countries," Manning said.

The agreement is overseen by a Joint Steering Committee, composed of senior police leaders from both countries, which facilitates intelligence sharing and coordinates operations to intercept illegal activities.

"The message is simple, for anyone in PNG, particularly foreign businesspeople seeking to
make quick money by enabling illegal international activities, PNG and Australian police are
coming for you," he said.

With the JAA now in effect, authorities say the strengthened collaboration is expected to significantly reduce opportunities for criminals to exploit PNG as a gateway to Australia.