6,000 bullets seized from ship

AMBON, Maluku: As many as 6,042 bullets, of various calibers, were confiscated by the military from a Dobonsolo passenger ship docked at the Ambon Naval base on Wednesday, an official said here.

John Tomasoa, an expert in charge of information on state civilian emergencies at the Naval Base, said that most of the bullets were 5.56 millimeter (mm) caliber.

Dobonsolo passenger ship is operated by state-owned PT Pelni, and charts the Jakarta-Surabaya-Maluku and Irian Jaya route.

Quoting security reports, Tomasoa said that the officers also confiscated 12 detonators, more than 100 kilograms of explosives and 400 welding rods, which were all unregistered, Antara reported.

"We don't know yet who owns the confiscated bullets. However, military searches will continue on passenger vessels to anticipate possible illegal arm supplies for Ambon rioters," Said Tomasoa. (sur)