Illegal Ammunition Supply Network to Papua Armed Criminal Group Dismantled, 4 Suspects Arrested

The Satgas Operasi Damai Cartenz 2026 has dismantled an illegal ammunition supply network to the armed criminal group (KKB) in the Papua region. Four suspects were arrested during a two-day operation in Jayapura, Papua.

“We have again uncovered an illegal ammunition distribution network suspected to be linked to armed groups in Papua,” said Deputy Head of the Public Relations Task Force for Operasi Damai Cartenz 2026, AKBP Andria, as reported by detikSulsel on Saturday (28/3/2026).

The four individuals arrested during the operation in Jayapura on Wednesday-Thursday (25-26/3) are initialled KO (45), SMM (40), HM (53), and AKW (51). All four have been designated as suspects and held different roles within the network.

The arrests in this case are part of the development of investigations from a previous case also related to the weapons and ammunition distribution network in several areas of Papua. The authorities also seized several pieces of evidence, including communication devices, vehicles, and homemade firearms suspected to have been used in the illegal activities.

“From initial examinations, three suspects—KO, SMM, and AKW—are suspected of acting as intermediaries or facilitators in illegal ammunition transactions. Meanwhile, suspect HM is suspected of acting as the supplier or seller of ammunition,” he explained.

The suspects are charged under the provisions of Criminal Code Law Number 1 of 2023, specifically Article 306 in conjunction with Article 20, which regulates illegal possession of weapons and assistance in criminal acts.