PNG Customs Delivers another Milestone Project

Marking a significant step in border security, PNG Customs Service (Customs) commissioned a milestone project in Daru last week, thus reinforcing its presence along the border.

A stabi-craft boat was commissioned including a boat shed to house it and a new land cruiser to tow the boat to and from the wharf.

These assets are poised to empower Customs enforcement responses, enabling Customs to conduct patrols and respond to border security issues and threats across the waters of Daru and its surrounding areas against illegal intrusions by criminal elements perpetrating transnational crimes across the borders with both Australia and Indonesia.

The commissioning occasion also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Customs with the Western Provincial Government.

This strategic partnership underscores Customs commitment and dedication to fostering cooperation and unity in strengthening collaborative efforts in securing the border and promoting legitimate trade by people between Australia and Indonesia across the border.

Chief Commissioner of Customs David Towe said, “Daru is a strategic port for our country, but a challenging one to manage with very limited resources as we share border with Australia to the south and Indonesia to the west.”

“With limited resources, we have tried our best to manage, control and contain illegal activities across these borders,” he added.

“We hope these resources will make our jobs a little easier to ensure border security and enforcement are strengthened,” he said.

He further stated that Customs alone cannot effectively secure the border and requires the collaborative concerted efforts of all the stakeholders and partners.

The MoU was signed by Chief Commissioner Towe and Western Provincial Administrator Robert Kaiyun, witnessed by executives from both the Western Provincial Government and Customs including the members of the community during the commissioning event.