15 firearms confiscated in two operations

15 firearms confiscated in two operations

JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Military Command has confiscated 14 firearms, two million stimulant and barbiturate pills, 600,000 bottles of liquor and 43 sharp weapons during the last month.

Commander Maj. Gen. Wiranto said yesterday that the ongoing crackdown has also netted 188 robbers, 760 gamblers. 295 drunkards and more than 100 brawling students.

A Military Police officer told The Jakarta Post that among the 14 firearms confiscated, three were owned by Armed Forces members. He said that the servicemen had been arrested, but declined to divulge their names.

Wiranto said the command will not hesitate to take stern action against servicemen who misuse their firearms. "I have asked the military police to take stern action against servicemen who violate the law, especially those misusing their firearms. Those who are found guilty will stand before a military tribunal."

The city military and police are now sweeping the capital in two anti-crime operations called Operasi Sapu Bersih and Operasi Kilat Jaya.

Wiranto said the military and police have agreed to continue indefinitely the operations, which he described as significant in decreasing the number of crimes in the city.

"According to the law, it is the city police who are responsible for fighting crime, but the military doesn't want the crime rate to rise in Jakarta," Wiranto said.

The military and the police are mobilizing 10,000 servicemen in addition to the 15,000 already deployed for the anti-crime operations.

These additional forces have pledged to maintain security during the Christmas and New Year's celebrations. All 25,000 soldiers and police officers will take part in the anti-crime roll call planned for today at the eastern Senayan parking lot. (29)