87 weapons seized in Gorontalo

87 weapons seized in Gorontalo

GORONTALO: The Gorontalo district police said on Thursday they have confiscated 87 weapons, mostly knives and machetes, and a number of explosive devices during a security sweep in this border area with Central Sulawesi.

A police spokesman, First Insp. Yan Ramko, said the operation was launched as a preemptive measure to stem the raging sectarian war in Poso from spreading to Gorontalo province.

The sharp weapons, which included knifes, machetes and blades, were seized from motorists traveling from Central Sulawesi.

Since fresh violence broke out in Poso, North Sumatra, last month, Gorontalo police officials have been stepping up surveillance along the border area to prevent incursions by provocateurs. --Antara