Sugar and flour owners detained

PURWOREJO, Central Java: Police have discovered a stockpile of 200 tons of sugar and 40 tons of wheat flour here.

Purworejo police chief Lt. Col. Iman Yuwono said Wednesday authorities have questioned the owners of the goods identified as Herman Susanto and Budi Susanto.

"We moved to check on the goods stored on Jl. Diponegoro and Jl. Cempaka after being tipped by nearby residents," Iman said.

"We are investigating whether the two men are distributors or speculators. If they are mere speculators, they deserve harsh punishment," he said.

Sugar and wheat flour, considered essential commodities, have soared in price while some areas have experienced supply problems of the commodities in recent weeks. (har)