Student arrested for alleged arms smuggling

SURABAYA (JP): Police arrested a student returning from the United states over the weekend on suspicion of attempting to smuggle weapons into Indonesia.

Brawijaya Military Commander Maj. Gen. Imam Utomo, who oversees security in East Java, said that Daniel Latief, 25, has been questioned about the smuggling several rifles, pistols and ammunition in a container through the Surabaya port.

Port authorities Wednesday detected the weapons which were hidden in Daniel's container marked "personal effects". Daniel is known to be a returning student residing in Jakarta.

However, at present there seems to be no political motive behind the smuggling, Imam said.

"There is still no proof that the firearms were to be used for separatist movements," Imam said, adding that most of the weapons were of a hunting caliber and only a few were of the standard military type.

Nevertheless, customs officials remain puzzled as to why hunting weapons would need to be smuggled when they are readily produced in Indonesia.

According to Imam, Daniel is known to be an avid gun enthusiast and has also honed his shooting skills with the Indonesian Target Hunting and Shooting Association.

"Whether for hunting purposes or for criminal intent, what's certain is that bringing in weapons without the official permits is a crime," Imam remarked.(15/mds)