50,000 fireworks confiscated

50,000 fireworks confiscated

JAKARTA (JP): A special team from the On-the-Alert directorate of the City Police confiscated over 50,000 fireworks of various types and sizes yesterday from a young couple at the Tanah Abang market in Central Jakarta.

Head of the Operational Affairs division Capt. Syaiful Bd. said here yesterday that the couple bought the fireworks from a trader in Parung Panjang, Bogor.

Izal, 25, and his 24-year-old wife, whose name was withheld, were caught by eight plain-clothes directorate members at the crowded market around mid-day.

After being interrogated, the couple was released on the same day (yesterday) with a written oath pledging that they would never run such an illegal business again.

"We'll carry out similar operations at several other markets over the next few days," Syaiful said.

City police and military officers are carrying out the operations in an effort to secure the upcoming Idul Fitri holiday, when the banned merchandise is traditionally used to celebrate the event. (bsr)