Drink linked to accidents, killings

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Police here reported Wednesday that most of the 502 cases of assault, killings and traffic accidents recorded during the first six months of this year were triggered by alcohol.

"Some 330 assault cases occurred when the victims got drunk," Kupang police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Victor Simanjuntak said.

"At least 80 people were killed due to the assaults committed by their rivals or communities when the victims were drunk, while 32 drunks were killed in traffic accidents," he said.

Simanjuntak said 33 of the 41 traffic accidents occurred because the drivers insisted on riding their motorcycles even though they were under the influence of alcohol.

To prevent more accidents, Simanjuntak said police had seized about 6,000 bottles of alcohol of various brands as well as 34 large containers of liquor.

"Due to the rising number of incidents, we (the police) also issued an order banning street parties to celebrate New Year's eve," Simanjuntak said. -- Antara.