Pacific

PNG police find huge ammunition hoard

17:16 pm on 21 October 2003

Police in Papua New Guinea have confiscated thousands of rounds of ammunition from a remote lodge in the Western Province.

The National newspaper reports that police believe the weapons were smuggled in from either Australia or Indonesia and are linked with the drug trade.

The police unit confiscated 4,889 rounds as well as two rifles and several gun accessories from the property which is owned and operated by an Australian.

The owner is currently believed to be in Australia.

The Southern Divisional commander, John Marru, says sources had volunteered the information that ammunition was being stored in the lodge.

He says police have previously raided the premises and seized ammunition.

Chief superintendent Marru says they were supposed to arrest and charge the property owner but couldn't carry that out because of a lack of funds.

It is not known when the owner is expected to return to the lodge.