Daru on lockdown after weekend riot as police reinforcements restore order

Bags of beche-de-mer confiscated by police. The riot started over the alleged theft of beche-de-mer from local fishermen (Image: Supplied)

All shops in Daru remained closed today after a violent riot over the weekend, during which opportunists looted and damaged several business houses.

The unrest triggered an urgent security response, with police officers flown in from Tabubil and Kiunga yesterday, followed by a Mobile Squad team arriving from Port Moresby this morning.

Daru police have detained five suspects in relation to the incident, among them the alleged buyer, two PNGDF personnel, an auxiliary staff member, and the skipper of the dinghy used during the operation. Police also recovered bags of beche-de-mer stolen from local fishermen.

More than 15 bags were confiscated and destroyed this morning.

A heavy security presence remains across Daru town as authorities work to stabilise the situation and progress investigations. Residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement personnel.

Shops stayed closed today, though people moved around freely in town (Image: Supplied)

Meanwhile, a special meeting is underway at Iaru House involving the Provincial Administrator, District Administration, and the Mobile Squad Commander to determine the next steps in addressing the unrest and preventing further violence.