Police seize firecrackers

MALANG, East Java: Malang Police claim they seized more than 6,000 firecrackers in their five-day operation to clamp down on the products in the run up to Idul Fitri.

Lt. Col. Makbul Padmanagara told Antara on Wednesday that officers involved in Operasi Sikat (Operation Brush) have arrested a 72-year old man, identified by his initials Jzm, believed to have been producing the firecrackers.

Makbul said the suspect claimed he worked alone. Police however are still investigating the possibility of accomplices.

Firecrackers were popular during Idul Fitri holidays in the 1960s. They were banned in the 1970s because of the numerous accidents and fatalities they caused.

Despite the ban, firecrackers still find their way to the markets in major cities, during Ramadhan each year. (emb)