Police turn attention to firecrackers

JAKARTA: Police will raid places dealing in firecrackers, sharp weapons, firearms and explosives in Jakarta ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan, said a senior police officer on Tuesday.

"The raids aim at upholding security in Jakarta ahead of Ramadhan, which starts early next month," said city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam.

Anton said that the police would detain anyone found distributing, selling or storing firecrackers.

"We won't postpone detaining those charged with possessing firecrackers, just like in drug abuse cases," said Anton.

Anton also said that the police would punish any officer found backing the distribution or trade of firecrackers, firearms, explosives and sharp weapons.--JP