'Int'l ring trades illegal arms'

'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