Arrested over firearms

The National Main Stories

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
A 62-YEAR-OLD suspected illegal firearms dealer in Milne Bay’s Alotau was arrested on Wednesday, Deputy Comm of Police (Operations) Donald Yamasombi says.
“The Malaysian businessman, from Sarawak’s Sibu in East Malaysia, was picked up in a police raid on his premises where an assortment of firearms and ammunitions were found and seized,” he said.
DCP Yamasombi said the ammunitions were of different calibre and the suspect had been registering and obtaining firearms and licences for buyers via illegal means.
“The suspect had been buying firearms for some time. He had several firearms on him. However, no proper legal documents were found to help police verify whether the firearms and ammunitions were bought through proper means,” he said.
“The suspect, who is the owner of a local company, has been a resident of Alotau and Papua New Guinea for 20 years and is married with four children.
“He is charged under the Firearms Act for being in possession of two unlicensed firearms and ammunitions.”
Police said the suspect was charged with:

  • ONE count for possession of an unlicensed pistol under Section 27 (1) (a) Firearms Act;
  • ONE count for possession of a Mossberg 12G pistol grip shotgun under Section 27 (1) (b) Firearms Act;
  • ONE count for possession of 22x 12G shotgun cartridges under Section 65A (a) Firearms Act; and
  • ONE count for possession of 126x 9mm calibre cartridges under Section 65A (a) Firearms Act.

The Malaysian is expected to be charged in the Alotau District Court today.