FOUR factory made and two home-made firearms with ammunition were confiscated by police in Banapa village in Milne Bay during an ongoing operation around the country to seize illegal weapons.
Police Commissioner David Manning said homes at Banapa were searched and the illegal firearms with ammunition were located.
“A man has been arrested and investigations are ongoing into others involved and additional searches taking place,” he said.
“This operation around the country is to detect and seize illegal weapons, as well as expose those funding violence,” he said.
Manning said the weapons seized was another step forward restoring normalcy in what has historically been a peaceful province.
“Police received intelligence on the location of weapons being used in criminal activities in Milne Bay and moved fast,” he said.
“The people of Milne Bay have had enough of criminals taking up weapons and are right behind police in restoring peace and harmony.”
Manning warned people who fund illegal guns that they were the target of ongoing law enforcement investigations and they would be brought to justice.
“The weapons amnesty is continuing well in the Highlands, particularly in Enga, and we want to see an even greater increase in the number of firearms surrendered through all districts,” he added.
Manning said while the criminals with illegal guns were one part of the problem, it was those who funded the trafficking of guns that were sponsoring bloodshed and a key component of police focus.
“We know that senior community figures, particularly in trouble hotspots, are involved in the purchase and smuggling of firearms, and they are the focus of our criminal and financial investigations,” he said.
“Police, together with partner oversight agencies, are actively pursuing those who fund and enable the illegal weapons trade.”
