Police seize guns from Mojokerto officials

SURABAYA: Mojokerto Police seized at least 37 firearms and ammunition allegedly bought by the regency administration for security ahead of the 2004 general elections.

East Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Heru Susanto praised on Friday police actions in seizing the 9mm revolvers.

To carry guns, civilians must follow certain requirements, including passing medical and psychological tests, as well as shooting skill capability examinations, Heru said.

Police said the guns and ammunition were intended for use by senior officials from the administration, which purchased them for Rp 2.2 billion from the regency's budget.

Heru said police were investigating whether the purchase of the guns was legal or not.

"We will investigate where the Mojokerto administration bought the guns from." --JP