Highlands police to undergo induction on transport, counter-terrorism laws

Police personnel under the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s Highlands Eastern End Command [HEEC] are set to undergo an intensive induction on the Transport Infrastructure Act 2010 and the Counter-Terrorism Act 2024.

The training aims to equip frontline officers with the necessary legal knowledge to enforce recent legislative amendments and effectively prosecute offenders.

Assistant Police Commissioner [ACP] Clement Dalla made the announcement after identifying a rise in serious offenses along the Highlands Highway that have disrupted the flow of goods and services and endangered commuters.

ACP Dalla explained that under the amended Transport Infrastructure Act, offenders face severe penalties, including fines ranging from K5,000 to K30,000, or prison terms of up to 30 years with hard labor.

He said the severity of penalties under the Transport Infrastructure Act aligns closely with the strict provisions of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2024, given the threat that highway disruptions pose to national security and the economy.

Jiwaka Governor Simon Kaiwi supported the policing initiative, urging the people of Jiwaka to refrain from interfering with the traveling public and commerce along the provincial section of the national highway.

Kaiwi condemned illegal practices such as setting up unauthorized roadblocks, looting vehicles during traffic accidents, and harassing commuters. He said such lawlessness would no longer be tolerated.

Following the completion of the police induction and subsequent public awareness campaigns, law enforcement will strictly enforce both Acts, and offenders will face the full weight of the law.