Bullets, military accessories seized

JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta police on Monday seized 106 bullets for AK-47s, 27 bullets for FN pistols and military accessories from a man, who was arrested a day before for possessing a holster and 90 grams of putaw (low grade heroin).

North Jakarta Police chief Lt. Col. Wisjnu Amat Sastra said he would order his men to further investigate the case as the bullets and accessories -- which included a combat troop uniform, a military police hat, a West Jakarta Police cap and two black military bags -- were all Indonesian Military (TNI) issue.

"These items should not be found in a civilian's possession. Nobody can give a guarantee that he or she will not use them for offenses," he said.

Wisjnu said the 32-year-old suspect, Sugianto, alias A Gie, was arrested in a night raid on Jl. Teluk Gong on Sunday. He was found in possession of the empty holster, heroin, with an estimated street value of Rp 18 million (US$2,195) and Rp 4 million.

"When we saw the holster, we asked the suspect whether he had a gun or not. As he gave no response, we decided to search his house and question his 31-year-old wife, Megawati," officer Wisjnu said.

The illegal possession of heroin could be categorized as a common crime, but keeping bullets and military accessories was "strange", Wisjnu said, without elaborating further.

"We'll place him under intensive questioning until we receive a clear explanation of the matter."

At the North Jakarta Police station, Sugianto admitted the property was a private collection gathered from friends from TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta.

He said that two years ago he worked as an office stationery supplier for military offices, including the one at Cilangkap.

"I have a lot of friends and they gave me those things as souvenirs."

He said he received the AK bullets from First Soldier Tarman, a member of the military police at TNI Headquarters.

Sugianto said he started to sell heroin shortly after his business collapsed.

However, he said he had no idea where the drugs found in his possession were from, as a friend, Welly, delivered it from one place to another.

"The putaw is not mine, it's Welly's. He asked me to drop the heroin at his place, but on the way I was caught."

Sugianto's Suzuki Shogun motorcycle was also confiscated as the heroin was discovered near the vehicle's gasoline tank. (emf)