Papua New Guinea police say they caught NSW man with 60 kilograms of cocaine in Port Moresby hotel
PNG police allege the 60 kilograms of cocaine that were seized have a street value in the millions. (Supplied)
An Australian man has allegedly been caught with 60 kilograms of cocaine at a hotel in Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby.
The 45-year-old man from New South Wales was apprehended by PNG police at the North Waigani Universal Lodge around 10pm last night.
Police allege he was in possession of 60 kilograms of cocaine, estimated to have a street value worth millions of dollars.
The man accused of being caught with 60 kilograms of cocaine at a Port Moresby hotel. (Supplied)
The man is being held in custody while police charge him with serious drug trafficking offences.
PNG Police Commissioner David Manning says a broader investigation is underway.
"While specific details of the arrest overnight cannot be released until the matter goes to court, police operations are ongoing into the broader criminal syndicate," Commissioner Manning said.
He added it was a warning to anyone who thinks they can get away with trafficking drugs to Papua New Guinea.
"The arrest last night adds to the list of criminals who have been caught transporting or facilitating the movement of drugs over recent years," Commissioner Manning said.
PNG police say a wider investigation continues. (Supplied)
Police Superintendent Warrick Simatab said the ongoing investigation required collaboration with international partners.
"We believe Port Moresby is now a transit point for international drug smuggling," he said.
According to PNG legislation, anyone in possession of more than 2.5 kilograms of cocaine could face a lifetime prison sentence if found guilty.
"Police tracked and arrested the man without incident, and now he is facing decades in PNG prison," Commissioner Manning said.