Cartenz Task Force Arrests Illegal Arms Broker in Jayapura

The Cartenz Operation Task Force has arrested a fugitive identified by the initials YYS, also known as OS or K (33), who served as an intermediary in the illegal trade of firearms and ammunition.

The Head of Public Relations for the Cartenz Operation, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, stated that the suspect was apprehended in the Argapura area of Jaylant, Jayapura, on Tuesday (29/9) at approximately 3:15 PM WIT.

Yusuf noted that YYS is known to be affiliated with an illegal firearms and ammunition network involving another suspect, SP, who was previously arrested in March 2026.

“The apprehension of YYS is the result of an investigation into the weapons and ammunition network in the Jayapura region, which has been ongoing since March 2026,” he said in a written statement on Wednesday (30/9).

Investigations revealed that YYS is also a recidivist in drug-related cases, having previously served a seven-year prison sentence, which he completed in early 2026.

Yusuf explained that in previous operations, the authorities had arrested a total of 13 individuals involved in the illegal arms syndicate. These include SP as a buyer; OB, YP, and NH as financiers; and MKM as a weapons intermediary. Additionally, DK, KO, SM, YK, and AG acted as intermediaries for weapons and ammunition; HM as a seller of ammunition and magazines; AKW as an ammunition provider; and HLT as an ammunition supplier to EKW.

“YYS is suspected of acting as an intermediary in the transaction of firearms and ammunition and is currently being held by the General Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Papua Regional Police,” he added.

During previous arrests, authorities also seized evidence including 298 rounds of ammunition, four long SS1 magazines, one short SS1 magazine, one improvised firearm, and six firearm barrels from World War II found in a rusted condition.

Yusuf added that YYS is currently at the General Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Papua Regional Police for further interrogation. “Investigators are still deepening the case, as there is a possibility of involvement by other parties and further links to the evidence based on the investigation results,” he concluded.