'Int'l ring trades illegal arms'

MEDAN, North Sumatra: An international syndicate has been involved in the illegal arms trade supplying weaponry from Thailand to North Sumatra, says a criminologist.

Prof. Chainur Arrasyid of the University of North Sumatra said here on Friday that illegal trade in M-16 and AK-47 rifles in the province involved a well-organized international syndicate, which was why security authorities had difficulties curbing it.

The local police recently arrested eight Thais, including a woman, who were smuggling arms of such models into the province.

"The weapons have been used in robberies and other crimes in the province," he said.

Indonesia has asked Thailand to enhance its border security in areas it shares with Malaysia, from where GAM receives its illegal arms supply. -- Antara