Policemen Arrested in Port Moresby Drug Bust, Revealing Depth of Meth Problem

The arrest of a senior police inspector and a constable in Port Moresby over the weekend has raised serious concerns about the extent of Papua New Guinea’s methamphetamine problem and the integrity of its national police force. The two officers were detained alongside three civilians during a hotel drug bust, accused of possessing and consuming the illicit substance

In a media statement on Sunday, National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab confirmed the arrests from Saturday, June 14. He reported that the group was found in a hotel room with methamphetamine and associated paraphernalia, a discovery later confirmed by a police forensic team.

“This operation is a direct result of excellent intelligence work by my police team, and it underscores the effectiveness of the smart, intelligent, and proactive policing that the NCD police command is diligently focusing on,” Superintendent Simatab stated, acknowledging that a public tip-off was vital to the operation.

His praise for the successful bust was paired with a direct warning to members of the force.

“I want to issue a resolute warning to those police officers who act as criminals in disguise in police uniform,” he said. “If the officers choose to act like criminals, the police will treat you like other criminals.”

Duo to be terminated

Simatab confirmed the two officers face “summary termination” from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and will be prosecuted as civilians. He added that one of the officers was already facing unrelated disciplinary and criminal allegations.

These arrests provide a clear example of a crisis that has intensified over recent years. PNG’s strategic location and difficult-to-patrol borders have made it a key transit country for crime syndicates moving drugs, especially methamphetamine and cocaine, towards Australia.

How big is the drug problem?

The nation has contended with major trafficking attempts, including a 611kg cocaine shipment linked to a crashed Cessna near Port Moresby in 2020. The meth problem is now firmly established at a local level, contributing to a rise in violent crime and social instability. The connection between international trafficking and local operations was recently demonstrated with the arrest of Lae-based businesswoman Mei Lin by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Lin is accused of organising the movement of 71kg of methamphetamine from a remote PNG airstrip to Australia.

The alleged involvement of police officers in this latest incident has seriously damaged public confidence in the RPNGC, an institution that already contends with chronic resource shortages and persistent allegations of corruption. For many citizens, the arrests confirm long-held fears that some officers tasked with fighting the drug trade are instead participating in it. The substantial profits from drug trafficking present a significant threat to the stability of state institutions.

Broader reform agenda

Superintendent Simatab presented the arrests as a difficult but essential part of a broader reform agenda.

“The RPNGC is unwavering in its commitment to addressing law and order challenges and is working tirelessly to win back and maintain public trust. We are actively separating the bad apples from the good,” he stated.

With the five suspects now in detention at Boroko cells awaiting formal charges, the case has become a significant challenge for the PNG government and the RPNGC. It will test their capacity to prosecute not only drug offenders but also the official corruption that enables the trade to continue