Police seize cyanide in Manado

MANADO, North Sulawesi: The North Sulawesi Police have seized around 68 barrels of cyanide during a routine patrol of North Sulawesi waters.

North Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Jhon Lalo said on Saturday the chemical was expected to be used by illegal miners to mine gold.

"The police will thoroughly investigate the case and will take action against those involved, regardless of who they are," he vowed.

Separately, North Sulawesi Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Budi Wibowo Sumantri said the dozens of drums of cyanide were confiscated in a routine operation by the Manado Water and Air police off a boat on Thursday.

The police were questioning the captain of the boat, identified only by his initials AL, a Filipino, he said.

Police intend to conduct a thorough investigation, particular to determine whether the confiscated chemical could be used in making bombs. -- Antara