Seized weapons were for PNG police

Firmin Nanol, Port Moresby

Last Updated: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:52:00 +1100

Papua New Guinea's Police Commissioner, Gari Baki, says he authorised the importation of illegal firearms seized by Customs officials at Jacksons international airport, Port Moresby, last month.

PNG customs officials seized four high-powered assault rifles and a nine millimetre semi-automatic pistol from a passenger on an Air Niugini flight from the Philippines.

The passenger claimed he was working for an arms dealer.

But PNG Customs officials maintain the passenger was no longer an employee of the dealer and was in possession of illegal weapons.

Dealer

Police Commissioner Baki says he gave permission to a licensed firearms dealer to bring in the guns.

He says the PNG police force intended to buy those weapons.

''I have given approval for these weapons to be brought in.

"How the dealer brings the weapons in is not my responsibility and if there is any slight deviation from the process involved, then Customs deal with it.''

He says firearms dealers who abuse their permit and licences will be penalised.