PNG, Australia agree on cross-border policing

The National National
Australian Federal Police commissioner Reece Kershaw and his PNG counterpart, David Manning, with the renewed memorandum of understanding signed in Canberra last week. – Picture supplied

Papua New Guinea and Australian police have renewed a partnership understanding for a continued working relationship, particular along the borders.
Commissioner David Manning was in Canberra, Australia, last week to renew agreements effecting this continued collaboration.
Manning said of the memorandum of understanding: “This partnership will enhance capabilities to stop major cross-border crimes such as drug trafficking, track down illicit funds, and deepen the level of cooperation with between our two countries.”
He also held discussions with Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw.
Consequent to the relationship, and a first for Pacific police forces, a PNG policing liaison officer would be posted to Australia.
“This position will be significant in bridging operational and information gaps between the police forces of our countries.
“Australia has heard us and is providing back-up and support when and where needed,” Manning said.
On border policing, he said: “The trafficking of cocaine and methamphetamines is destroying the lives of young people in Australia and, to a lesser extent, in PNG.
“It has to be stopped and this is in our shared interest.
“This renewed agreement between PNG and Australia also has the sharing of intelligence and technological capabilities, and this will increase our electronic surveillance and interception capabilities.”
The renewed memorandum of understanding on police cooperation, liaison and the exchange of information provides for:

  • EXCHANGE of information on crimes, persons, and financial transactions;
  • MUTUALLY determined joint and/or coordinated investigations and operations;
  • COOPERATION on serious crimes, proceeds of crimes, investigations in support of extraditions;
  • ENHANCING of technical and police operational support capabilities; and,
  • POSTING of an RPNGC liaison officer to Australia.

“Australia cannot overcome drug trafficking on its own.
“We need each other’s help and cooperation and, together, we will save lives and put more international criminals in jail,” Manning said.
He said more was focus needed in the area of bilateral engagement to find effective regional solutions to our drug problem.
“This agreement opens channels for both countries to share evidence and investigation details, and to exchange information on suspects and criminals.
“This means we have greater intelligence sharing to monitor drug traffickers and to intercept and arrest them, irrespective of where they are operating,” Manning said.