Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – On December 1, 2021, the Diplomatic Security Service Regional Security Office at U.S. Embassy Port Moresby, in collaboration with Homeland Security (HSI) Canberra, provided 200 Narcotics Identification (Nik) test kits to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. During a raid on November 16, 2021, the Special Police Operations unit uncovered a mini meth lab including unlicensed firearms and live ammunitions inside a hotel room in Port Moresby. Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Special Operations Donald Yamasombi requested the Nik drug testing kits for his special operations unit following raids on an undisclosed number of locations and seized an undisclosed number of dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Nik kits will allow Papua New Guinea (PNG) law enforcement to quickly identify these deadly drugs, which will help lead to swift prosecutions.
At the handover ceremony, Deputy Chief of Mission Joseph Zadrozny and Police Deputy Commissioner Yamasombi both made remarks.
DCM Zadrozny said, “I’m proud to deliver these drug test kits to our PNG partners so that they can disrupt the Pacific drug trade. Transnational Criminal Organizations will find PNG closed for business while I’m on watch. On behalf of Ambassador McKee and the American people, I thank the Special Police Operations unit and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary for your courageous actions. We recognize your service and your sacrifice, and we thank you.”
The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the U.S. Department of State’s law enforcement and security arm. DSS special agents, engineers, and other security professionals are responsible for the security of more than 270 diplomatic posts around the world. DSS is working closely with PNG partners to enhance the capability of law enforcement and judicial systems. The joint goal is to reduce drug trafficking and strengthen laws to allow PNG police to prosecute drug dealers who threaten the prosperity of the nation. For additional information about DSS, visit www.state.gov/m/ds or follow DSS on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn @StateDeptDSS.