Five arrested over illegal guns

BANDUNG: In a series of operations last week, West Java police arrested five people, including a retired soldier, for illegal possession of guns in Bandung and Sukabumi, an officer announced on Thursday.

Secretary to the West Java detective chief Lt. Col. Tatang Somantri said the seized guns were those officially used by the Army/Police and the Hunters Association (Perbakin).

The guns were seized in three operations, Tatang said.

"The latest siege was in Bandung on April 19. Officers arrested Sgt. Maj. (ret.) Sudarno and another civilian identified as Ian Kariadi who had in their possession a Colt .38 special and a Toyota Kijang van without proper documents and a bundle of fake Rp 20,000 and Rp 50,000 notes."

Sudarno said two other Army officers identified as Lt. Col. Usman and Sgt. Maj. H. Maryana from Depok military district command were being sought in connection with the case. (25/sur)