by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
In the last three months in Papua New Guinea, there has been a wave of crimes aimed at businesses and individuals exporting large shipments.
One notable incident involved a cocoa trader who had his entire shipment stolen by individuals dressed in police uniforms.
Just two days ago, another truck transporting goods for businesses in the Highlands was intercepted by a group of men in police attire. They commandeered the truck and kidnapped the driver, whom they bound and brought to Lae.
The gang’s driver was eventually apprehended by the public, who assaulted him. This incident was recorded and shared on social media, amid unfounded claims that the gang was involved in the trafficking of human organs.
Allegations of body part smuggling linked to Papua New Guinea have circulated for years, but there has been no verified evidence supporting these claims. The police have dismissed the recent allegations as false.
These claims come in the wake of viral reports from the Solomon Islands about human organ trafficking, with related videos being widely disseminated in Papua New Guinea.
Regarding access to police uniforms, authorities have stated that it is not difficult for criminals to obtain them, as there are companies in Port Moresby that manufacture such apparel, provided one has the right credentials.
As police continue to investigate these incidents, journalists in Lae are still awaiting a clear statement from the Police Commissioner in Port Moresby.
