An internal combustion engine (1) has a variable valve mechanism (18, 19), wherein a first valve timing and a second valve timing are provided. At the first valve timing, the exhaust valve close timing is later than the top dead center, and positive overlap is brought about relative to the intake valve open timing. At the second valve timing, the exhaust valve close timing is earlier than the top dead center, and negative overlap is brought about. In the first operation region at the low load side with low intake pressure, the first valve timing is selected, and HC in the second peak is suppressed by the pullback action by intake pressure. In the second operation region in which supercharge is carried out, the second valve timing is selected and HC in the second peak is trapped in a cylinder.